"Religious Freedom" Bill Detractors Gather at State Capitol

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Opponents of a bill which would prevent state government from infringing on a person’s religious beliefs have gathered at the Georgia State Capitol, claiming that the measure is thinly-veiled discrimination.

The protesters assembled across the street from the capitol on Tuesday, but told WSB-TV that they planned to enter the building and lobby lawmakers to fight against SB 129, or the “Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”

SB 129, drafted by Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus), would make it illegal for the State of Georgia to “substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability.” The government may be able to “substantially burden” residents’ religious rights if there is a compelling state interest and the burden is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.

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Critics of SB 129 believe the bill would allow businesses to legally discriminate against gay, lesbian, and transgender people and use religious beliefs as a pretext. A similar bill, which was signed into law in Indiana, has caused national outrage and done significant economic damage to the state.

SB 129 was tabled on March 26 in the House of Representatives, according to WSB-TV. Rep. Mike Jacobs (R-Brookhaven), added anti-discrimination language into the bill which gained the support of nine members of the Judiciary Committee. The bill could be revived for discussion and a vote before legislators wrap up the session on April 2, WSB-TV said.

Read SB 129 in full below: