For Immediate Release Wednesday, March 16, 2016 

GA GOP APPLAUDS REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS FOR PROTECTING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

(Atlanta, GA) – Today, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation to protect religious freedom in Georgia.  

The retooled version of House Bill 757 combines the Pastor Protection Act, which shields religious leaders and faith-based organizations from having to conduct or host any ceremony that violates their religious beliefs, with language found in the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.  In addition to allowing Georgians of faith to practice freely unless there is a "compelling governmental interest", the newly passed legislation clearly states, "Discrimination on any grounds is prohibited by federal or state law."  

"During our 2015 State Convention in Athens, Georgia Republicans overwhelmingly passed a resolution in support of the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act," said Georgia Republican Party Chairman John Padgett.  

"Under the Gold Dome, Republican leadership and members of the General Assembly have worked tirelessly to craft legislation that protects people of faith without sanctioning discrimination of any kind.  This compromise bill does just that. HB 757 is appropriate, fair, and good for Georgia.

"We applaud and thank state lawmakers for listening to grassroots Republicans and for working together to pass this vitally important piece of legislation before Sine Die." 

House Bill 757 will now head to the Governor's Desk for signature.

Georgia Republican Party, 3110 Maple Drive, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30305