Georgia Governor Vetoes Religious Freedom Bill

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has vetoed legislation that would allow clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages and protect people who refuse to attend the ceremonies. 

The Republican rejected the bill Monday. 

Republican majorities passed the bill to broadly protect people acting on their religion.  It also would have protected clergy who won’t perform gay marriages, and people who won’t attend a wedding for religious reasons. 

Churches and affiliated religious groups also could have declined to serve or hire someone based on their faith. 

The bill’s opponents said it excused discrimination and could trample local ordinances protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. 

Coca=Cola and other big name Georgia companies joined the NFL, prominent Hollywood figures and film studios urging the governor to reject the proposal. Some even threatened to boycott the state if Deal didn’t veto.