Georgia Governor Vetoes Controversial Bill

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal today vetoed legislation that would have allowed clergy to refuse to perform gay weddings marriage, and protecting people who refuse to attend the ceremonies for religious reasons.
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 and prominent Hollywood figures in urging the governor to veto the bill, or face possible boycotts. Deal also mentioned getting insults from the religious community as he was making his decision.

GOV. NATHAN DEAL, (R) GEORGIA “…and to those in the business community, some of whom, not all by any stretch, have resorted to threats of withdrawing jobs from our state, they should note I do not respond very well to insults or to threats.”

The Governor indicated he felt the bill held the possibility that it would allow or encourage discrimination. He said all the responses he got were from well-meaning people.

GOV. NATHAN DEAL “That, is the character of Georgia. I intend to do my part to keep it that way. For that reason I will veto house bill 757.”

One pastor, who said he was speaking only for himself and not his church, thinks he was already protected from being coerced into going against his beliefs.

PHILLIP CANNON, EXECUTIVE PASTOR, 1ST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DALTON “I believe the church protects me, as well as my personal conscience ..whether it be a same sex marriage or whether it be a marriage between a man and a woman. You know, I have the opportunity or the right to decline either or both.”

But some are not so sure. One local preacher thinks Christians are still at risk because of federal rules and regulations.

PETER PUTNAM, DALTON EVANGELIST “I feel no man or woman who serves the lord should by any means have to be subjected to what our government says he can or cannot do or say.”

Governor Deal says its difficult to legislate on something that is best left to the broad protections of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.