House Speaker David Ralston on Thursday challenged supporters and opponents of a so-called religious liberty bill to ratchet down the rhetoric while slamming those he said are trying to profit off it.
Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, addressed the controversy during a speech to the Atlanta Press Club. Ralston has been criticized by some for the lack of action on Senate Bill 129 in the House. Although his comments were made before the bill was set for a special subcommittee meeting on Tuesday.
“Before we move forward, we have to understand what the impact of this legislation will be on the rule of law in this state,” Ralston said. “We need to know if this legislation opens the door to unintended consequences of any type, that some may try to exploit.”
SB 129 has been one of the more controversial measures of the 2015 legislative session. Sponsored by Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, the bill has been the subject of multiple rallies and protests from both supporters and opponents. While the bill on its face is simple, there are many in and out of the Capitol who are concerned it could lead to discrimination.
McKoon could not immediately be reached for comment. Rep. Sam Teasley, R-Marietta, declined comment on Ralston's remarks.
SB 129 requires government to essentially think twice before intruding on someone’s religious beliefs. Supporters say it’s necessary to protect the interest of people of faith from having government force them to act against their beliefs.
But opponents claim it would also open the door to allow businesses to refuse to serve gay couples or anyone else they find objectionable.
Ralston said he takes supporters at their word that discrimination is not the point. But, he said, in a state with an international economy, “closing the door to anyone is closing the door to all.”
He saved his harshest comments for those who have poured gasoline onto the fire and made the issue much more personal than need be.
“There always seems to be a few for whom honest, reasonable, and civil discussion is an alien concept that they are simply not acquainted with,” Ralston said. “These pundits-for-hire and self-professed thought leaders are not looking to protect anything, or anyone. They seek profit, relevance, and attention by preying on people’s worst fears through loud volume, lies and distortions.
“I have no interest in rushing to act on this or any other issue merely to coddle over-inflated egos or help grow someone’s bank account.”
While he would not say to whom he was referring, WSB Radio host and Redstate.com editor Erick Erickson has been among the most high-profile critics of the House’s seeming failure to act on SB 129, which sits in Judiciary Committee.
Wednesday evening, Erickson criticized Ralston, Judiciary Chairman Wendell Willard, R-Sandy Springs, and Willard's wife, who is a state GOP leader.
Told of Ralston’s comments on Thursday, Erickson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he’s not scared.
“I don’t have a list of donors, but the speaker does and a number of them line up pretty well with people opposed to the religious liberty legislation,” Erickson said via text message. “I will be analyzing the speaker’s ‘johns’ on the radio.”
Erickson said he has also recorded a telephone call targeting every pastor in Ralston’s North Georgia district.
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