Senate Bill 129, the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, generated controversy and heavyweight opposition from the corporate and gay communities during the recent 2015 legislative session and failed to gain enough support to pass. Today, the bill’s sponsor writes about how the legislation is designed to keep the government from abusing our free exercise rights. He denies it will enable others to mistreat any groups. On the other side, a UGA professor points to the state’s historic failure to protect citizens and says it’s time for civil rights legislation to safeguard all individuals.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com