Religious Freedom bill is back in Georgia

ATLANTA, Georgia (WDEF) The religious freedom bill is back before Georgia lawmakers.

Last year, it passed the legislature only to face a veto from the Governor in the midst of corporate threats to boycott the state.

But a lot has changed since then politically.

And so has the bill.

Senator Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone) says this year’s version is much narrower, only asking for a “compelling governmental interest” before it interferes with a person’s religious practices.

Critics say the law could be used to exempt businesses from national gay rights laws.

Already, business lobbyists are attacking the new version, saying it is unnecessary because no documented case has ever arisen in the state needing the protection.

And Governor Deal is once again threatening to veto the bill if it passes the legislature.