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Georgia has the most openly gay state lawmakers in the South

Sam Park, the first openly gay man to be elected to Georgia’s General Assembly, poses for a portrait during his victory party in Atlanta, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. Branden Camp/Special
Sam Park, the first openly gay man to be elected to Georgia’s General Assembly, poses for a portrait during his victory party in Atlanta, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. Branden Camp/Special
By Kristina Torres
Dec 23, 2016

Georgia's General Assembly in January will seat the most openly gay lawmakers in the South, just as advocates expect to battle legislation they fear could legalize discrimination against the gay community.

Both they and advocates say their presence is important in a conservative Southern state, even as the increased numbers are still a tiny minority at the Republican-led Capitol.

"It's not a time for fear," said state Rep.-elect Sam Park, D-Lawrenceville, who surprised some last month by upsetting a three-term Republican incumbent in the heart of suburban Gwinnett County.

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Kristina Torres
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