GOP governor signs bill that could legalize LGBTQ+ discrimination

[Jessica_Rose]

GOP governor signs bill that could legalize LGBTQ+ discrimination

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/04/gop-governor-signs-bill-that-could-legalize-lgbtq-discrimination/

By Greg Owen (8 April 2025)

Nine years after similar legislation ignited a firestorm of protest from business and civic leaders in Georgia, state Gov. Brian Kemp (R) recently signed a new bill aimed at protecting "religious freedom."

Modeled on the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993, the bill's sponsors say it will prevent government agents from impeding individuals' religious rights and enforcing laws that conflict with religious expression. The Republican-led state House approved the bill in a 96-70 vote.

Critics say just like earlier versions, the new bill will be used to deny the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and other minorities. They also worry the RFRA will be cited as a basis for passing anti-LGBTQ+ laws, further restricting reproductive rights, allowing business owners to discriminate at their own discretion, and controlling educational materials in schools.

Opponents of the RFRA include state House Rep. Ruwa Romman (D), who believes that without an underlying civil rights law explicitly prohibiting discrimination, the bill will give people a license to discriminate against people or lifestyles they don't like. Georgia doesn't have comprehensive state civil rights protections.

[Princess Rachel Ann]

What's wrong with these people?

[BlueJaye]

Just following Iowa's lead. First state to ever REMOVE civil rights from a protected population.