David Ralston, speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, writes today that his objective in proposing his Pastor's Protection bill in the next legislative session is to reassure the faith community that the separation of church and state will remain a pillar of Georgia’s values, even though that protection is provided in the the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In our second column, a UGA scholar says Ralston’s legislation is not unusual or legally necessary, but beware other religious liberty bills that are bound to beat a path to the General Assembly’s door next year.

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Members celebrate as the House of Representatives passed President Trump’s domestic policy bill at the Capitol in Washington on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The House on Thursday narrowly passed a sweeping bill to extend tax cuts and slash social safety net programs, capping Republicans’ chaotic monthslong slog to overcome deep rifts within their party and deliver President Trump’s domestic agenda. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)

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UPS driver Dan Partyka delivers an overnight package. As more people buy more goods online, the rapid and unrelenting expansion of e-commerce is causing real challenges for the Sandy-Springs based company. (Bob Andres/AJC 2022)

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