Here's a sampling of what political, religious and business officials are saying after the Georgia Legislature approved a 'religious liberty' bill. Gov. Nathan Deal has not indicated whether he will sign or veto the controversial legislation.
“I can’t express the amount of damage that is being done to Atlanta and Georgia’s reputation as the business center and cultural center of the Southeast."
-- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed
“There’s been a lot of time and a lot of effort from a lot of sources to get this bill where it is today. The leadership has been shown by the Georgia General Assembly that it leads the nation in dealing with the definition of marriage.
"There was a need for this law, and it took Georgia to lead the way for the country.”
-- State Sen. Greg Kirk, R-Americus, who is the bill's Senate sponsor and a former Baptist minister.
“As a person of faith, I stand firmly against this egregiously discriminatory bill because it compromises who we are as Georgians and as Americans. My faith teaches me that we are to treat others fairly, as we would wish to be treated ourselves. My faith is protected by the First Amendment.”
-- Rabbi Peter S. Berg of The Temple in Buckhead.
“All citizens here in the state of Georgia have won. It’s the kind of religious liberty protections all Georgians can be happy with today.”
-- Mike Griffin, public affairs director for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board
"Salesforce is calling on Governor Deal to veto HB 757 because the legislation creates an environment of discrimination and makes the state of Georgia seem unwelcoming to same-sex couples and the LGBTQ community. We were encouraged by Governor Deal's recent comments that he would veto any bill that allows the perception of discrimination and we are now calling on him to stand by his comments and move quickly to veto HB 757. If HB 757 is not vetoed and instead becomes law, Salesforce will have to reduce investments in Georgia, including moving the Salesforce Connections conference to a state that provides a more welcoming environment for the LGBTQ community."
-- Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO
“The First Amendment and the free exercise of religious beliefs is an essential part of our democracy. It deserves the utmost respect and protection. This legislation does just that and protects these freedoms.”
-- Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle
“If you think it's reasonable to let businesses discriminate, you can shred the Civil Rights Act of 1964 now."
-- Anthony Kreis, a professor at the University of Georgia
"The resulting bill is one of the most robust religious liberty protections in the entire nation."
-- Georgia Right to Life
“What it says to me is that ‘There is something wrong with you, Karla. There’s something wrong with your family. There’s something wrong with your faith.
“It says my rights under the Constitution and under the law and under God are not inalienable, but subject to the beliefs of others."
-- State Rep. Karla Drenner, D-Avondale Estates, who is openly gay
"After three years of speeches, meetings, town halls, debates, amendments and forums -- many miles on the highways and byways of this state -- final passage at last of a REAL religious freedom bill."
-- State Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus
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