ICYMI: Disney Would Quit Filming in Georgia Over 'Religious Freedom' Bill, Spokesman Says

Disney and its Marvel Studios would stop filming movies in Georgia if a bill critics consider anti-gay is signed by Gov. Nathan Deal, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The statement, in The Hollywood Reporter, is the latest in a salvo of criticism from the business community in general, and the entertainment industry in particular, against legislation that would secure the rights of faith-based groups to refuse services or terminate employees based on sexual orientation.

"Disney and Marvel are inclusive companies, and although we have had great experiences filming in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere should any legislation allowing discriminatory practices be signed into state law," THR quoted an unnamed Disney spokesman as saying Wednesday.

Fueled by attractive tax incentives and a growing industry infrastructure, Georgia has become an increasingly popular destination for film-makers over the past decade. And Disney has been right in the mix.

Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man" filmed in Georgia, as did its upcoming features "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" and "Captain America: Civil War."

Deal has until May to sign the so-called "Religious Freedom Act," which was approved by both the Georgia House and Senate.

He has called the signing a "difficult decision" and said he plans to take his time before deciding.

'Religious Freedom Act': Should Deal Sign Or Not?

In the mean time, he's hearing from Georgia companies aplenty afraid that passing the bill -- which was tweaked from its original version and, according to some observers, guarantees rights already protected under state law -- could hurt Georgia's reputation as an open and accepting place to do business.

Atlanta's three professional sports franchises, the Braves, Falcons and Hawks, have issued statements critical of the bill.

And in a statement about the bill, the NFL said a state law like the one the legislation would create "would be one of many factors NFL owners may use to evaluate potential Super Bowl host sites.”

Falcons owner Arthur Blank Jr. is building a state-of-the-are new stadium for the team, with obvious hopes of luring a Super Bowl to town.

"I strongly believe a diverse, inclusive and welcoming Georgia is critical to our citizens and the millions of visitors coming to enjoy all that our great state has to offer," Blank said in a statement. "House Bill 757 undermines these principles and would have long-lasting negative impact on our state and the people of Georgia."

Major Georgia companies including Coca-Cola, Cox Enterprises, Home Depot and UPS have spoken out against the bill.

In addition to providing cover for faith-based employers, the legislation states that no member of clergy may be forced to perform a same-sex marriage and that no individual may be required to attend one if it goes against their beliefs.

(Photo via Marvel.com)