Georgia Lawmakers Pass Anti-Gay Bill

Georgia lawmakers passed a “religious liberty” bill Wednesday that critics say discriminates against the LGBT community. The bill allows faith-based organizations to deny social, educational, and charitable services based on a “sincerely held religious belief” relating to marriage. The measure also allows faith-based organizations—defined as churches, religious schools, and mission groups—to make employment decisions based on religious beliefs. Critics of the bill fear the broad language could also apply to businesses, hospitals, and adoption centers. The measure was passed by the Georgia House of Representatives and, hours later, cleared by the state senate. The bill now heads to Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk. Deal has said he would veto a bill that legalizes discrimination.