It is an open question whether HB 757, the "religious liberty" legislation now on Gov. Nathan Deal's desk will negate local ordinances in Atlanta and elsewhere that forbid discrimination by sexual orientation.

House Speaker David Ralston last week said the fate of such ordinances would be in the hands of the courts. Religious conservatives have identified the overturning of such local requirements as one of their primary objectives.

And yet, in Sandy Springs, we have Councilman Andy Bauman proposing just the opposite. He wants a local ordinance that offers LGBT protection. From the press release:

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People carrying a giant pride flag participate in the annual Pride Parade in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez