Nine years after a similar proposal sparked backlash from businesses and civil rights advocates, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed a new bill into law aimed at protecting “religious freedom.”
Modelled after the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993, the legislation is intended, according to its sponsors, to shield individuals from government interference when exercising their religious beliefs. The Republican-controlled state House passed the bill in a 96-70 vote.
Supporters claim the law prevents state and local governments from enforcing rules that conflict with religious expression. However, critics argue the bill opens the door for legal discrimination, particularly against LGBTQ+ people and other marginalised groups.
Democratic state Representative Ruwa Romman, one of the bill’s most vocal opponents, voiced concern that without statewide civil rights protections in Georgia, the RFRA will effectively give individuals and businesses a “licence to discriminate.”
“Because at the end of the day, those who will bear the brunt of this are not those in the majority. It’ll be us, people in the religious minority,” said Romman, who spoke about her Christian faith during her remarks.
Governor Kemp dismissed these criticisms. “I don’t buy that,” he told reporters at the bill’s signing ceremony. “I don’t think we’ve seen that in other states, and I think our record speaks for ourselves here in Georgia. Georgia still remains a state where there is no place for hate, and I can assure all Georgians of that today.”
At least 29 other U.S. states have adopted similar “religious freedom” legislation. In Georgia, the topic remains deeply contentious. A previous version of the RFRA was vetoed by then-Governor Nathan Deal in 2016 following widespread opposition from business leaders, advocacy groups, and the public. Critics warned it would damage Georgia’s economy and reputation.
This time around, lawmakers made efforts to frame the bill as a more moderate measure. Its sponsor, Republican Senator Ed Setzler, said it was crafted in part by Governor Kemp’s staff and is less sweeping than the 2016 version.
“Every Georgian should be free to exercise their faith without unfair federal, state and local government intrusion,” Setzler stated at a press conference. “This is not a licence for private citizens to discriminate against private citizens.”
Republican Representative Tyler Paul Smith echoed that sentiment, asserting, “This prohibits the government from burdening religious exercise in our state.”
Still, concerns linger. Republican Representative Deborah Silcox, who unsuccessfully attempted to add an anti-discrimination clause to the bill, was one of only two Republicans to vote against it. The Metro Atlanta Chamber also reiterated its opposition, highlighting potential impacts on Georgia’s business environment.
Critics noted the lack of concrete examples provided to justify the bill. During a House Judiciary Committee meeting, Setzler was unable to identify a case in which someone’s religious liberties were infringed in a way that would warrant the law.
“We are swatting at imaginary flies, and I’m sick of it,” said Democratic Representative Stacey Evans following the House vote.
