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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > February > 07 > Entry
House bill would block Atlanta’s fine of golf club
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Georgia House overwhelming approved legislation today that would bar the city of Atlanta from fining Druid Hills Golf Club for refusing to treat partners of gay members the same as spouses of married members.
The bill, sponsored by House Rules Committee Chairman Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs), would have implications beyond Atlanta if it becomes law. It would stop any state agency or local government from imposing fines on any person or group that does not provide benefits equivalent to marriage to employees or members.
The measure passed the House 124 to 39, despite some protests from Atlanta area legislators that it was part of a “hidden gay-bashing agenda” and an erosion of the long-standing principle of local control.
The bill does not mention Atlanta or Druid Hills by name, but Ehrhart has said Mayor Shirley Franklin’s threats of fines against the golf club were the reason he drafted the bill.
Early last year, a city commission declared Druid Hills in violation of Atlanta’s human rights ordinance, which prohibits discrimination against gays.
The east side club objected, arguing that it provided marital benefits —such as allowing spouses to inherit club membership if a member dies — only to people who are legally married under Georgia law.
In December, Franklin announced she planned to start fining the club for violating the ordinance, up to a maximum of $90,000. The club responded by filing suit against the city, arguing the ordinance violates the state constitution.
On the floor of the House, Ehrhart argued today that: “You shouldn’t have to sue your political subdivision to get your constitutional rights.”
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