Bauman Opposes Religious Liberty Bill, Calls For Anti-Discrimination Policy

Editor's note: the following letter was submitted by Sandy Springs 6th District City Councilman Andy Bauman.

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[You can] add my voice to the growing chorus of concerned citizens rising up to condemn and oppose the so-called Religious Liberty Bill (House Bill 757), hastily passed last week by the Georgia Legislature.

Supporters of the new law argue it is about protecting religious freedom, but for me this bill is a thinly veiled and shameful attempt to sanction discrimination.

I wholeheartedly agree with Governor (Nathan) Deal who said, “I don't think that we have to have anything that allows discrimination in our state in order to protect people of faith.” I call upon Governor Deal to veto H.B. 757.

As a Sandy Springs councilman, I am obligated to ensure that discrimination has no place in our community, and in the governance and operation of our city. To be very clear, I am not aware, nor do I believe, that Sandy Springs has discriminated against anybody based on their sexual orientation. I am proud of our city and those who lead it.

However, the city does not have a consistent or formal non-discrimination policy. That is why, today, I am proposing that Sandy Springs adopt a formal policy prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, and also the promotion of Equal Opportunity Employment.

This will apply to all Sandy Springs government employment practices and procedures, and to all contractors and organizations who wish to do business with or on behalf of our city. It will also apply to the use of all city property, including parks and recreation facilities, and the new Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

This is not just a moral and legal issue, it is an economic imperative. Economic development is one of our city’s adopted priorities, and I am proud Sandy Springs is home to many Fortune 500 and multi-national corporations. These companies have brought thousands of jobs and prestige to our city and many, if not most, have policies that speak unambiguously against any form of discrimination. We owe it to the business community to stand with them in support of those values.

Let me conclude by applauding local state representatives Joe Wilkinson and Beth Beskin, who voted in opposition to H.B. 757.

Their courage is inspiring. In our upcoming elections for the state legislature, I call upon all candidates to immediately disclose their position on this important issue, and to speak out in opposition to the discrimination manifested by the Religious Liberty Bill.

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Image via city of Sandy Springs