ATLANTA (AP) – Six Georgia lawmakers want to create high stakes for businesses now mobilizing against a bill intended to protect same-sex marriage opponents.
Opponents fear that bill would excuse discrimination, especially against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people. The bill, which already passed earlier this session, would prevent government burden of religious belief or penalty against faith-based organizations, including refusal to serve or hire someone.
It also would protect clergy who won’t perform gay marriages and people who won’t attend a wedding.
Opponents of the recently passed bill, including some of Georgia’s top companies, the NFL and prominent Hollywood figures, have urged Gov. Nathan Deal to veto it.
The new proposal emerged late Thursday on the final day of the legislative session. It would allow employees or consumers to file suit against a company if they feel it has violated a nondiscrimination employment policy or a less formal “pledge.”