By John Mack Freeman
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has vetoed HB-757, a religious freedom bill that many believed would allow anti-GLBT discrimination to take place in the state. Via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday vetoed the “religious liberty” bill that triggered a wave of criticism from gay rights groups and business leaders and presented him with one of the most consequential challenges he’s faced since his election to Georgia’s top office.
In a press conference at the state Capitol, Deal said House Bill 757 doesn’t reflect Georgia’s welcoming image as a state full of “warm, friendly and loving people” – and warned critics that he doesn’t respond well to threats of payback for rejecting the measure.
“Our people work side by side without regard to the color of our skin, or the religion we adhere to. We are working to make life better for our families and our communities. That is the character of Georgia. I intend to do my part to keep it that way,” he said. “For that reason, I will veto HB 757.”
The veto comes on the heels of a loud and contentious opposition to the law from businesses and grassroots organizations. Although Governor Deal said that the threats from both sides did not sway his thinking on the matter, many politics watchers inside the state said that the governor’s pro-business legacy would be jeopardized were the law to have been signed.
Already, some conservative Republican lawmakers are calling for a special session to override the governor’s veto. However, because of a vacancy in the House, the Democrats have just enough votes to sustain a veto there.
