Georgia lawmakers supporting “religious liberty” efforts at the state Capitol doubled-down Wednesday by introducing a second bill to prevent government intrusion on faith-based beliefs.
Senate Bill 129, sponsored by state Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, uses much the same language as federal legislation passed by Congress in 1993 and signed by President Bill Clinton. It asserts that government has to show a compelling interest for why its policy should override an individual's religious freedom.
Its backers say McKoon’s efforts aim to only mirror the federal law — and not go further — and shouldn’t be controversial. McKoon’s bill, however, adds additional language not in the federal legislation by saying someone exercising their religion includes “but (is) not limited to the right to act or refuse to act in a manner that is substantially motivated by a sincerely held religious belief.”
The debate on the religious freedom issue has been contentious since last year, when McKoon filed a similar bill and drew the wrath of Georgia’s powerful business community including hometown heavyweights Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines and Home Depot, which all spoke out against it.
They did so in the wake of national attention over lawsuits against businesses that refused to provide goods or services for gay weddings or gay advocacy groups.
McKoon's bill this year follows similar efforts in the House — led by state Rep. Sam Teasley, R -Marietta — to pass religious liberty legislation via House Bill 218. Both opponents and supporters have held a number of dueling rallies and press conferences since early January to either laud the effort or denounce it.
Opponents say the legislation is not needed and could have unintended or discriminatory consequences.
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