Businesses applaud veto of anti-LGBT measure in Georgia
Nathan Deal, Georgia's two-term governor, is certain to face a firestorm from conservative lawmakers, but his decision to veto a bill that would have offered barriers to same-sex marriage is drawing cheers from businesses.
Dozens of corporate heavy-hitters had urged the governor to veto the bill, including Disney, Apple, Time Warner, Intel and Salesforce. The NFL signaled the measure, if passed, might jeopardize Atlanta's bid for the Super Bowl, and the NCAA suggested it might hinder Georgia's ability to host championship games.
In announcing his decision at a press conference Monday, Deal cited concerns that language in the bill might "encourage or allow discrimination." He declined to answer questions.
The bill, called "The Free Exercise Protection Act," would let faith-based organizations deny services to those who violate their "sincerely held religious belief" and protect their rights to fire employees who don't work in concert with those beliefs.
Georgia Prospers, a coalition of more than 500 companies that describes itself as "committed to keeping Georgia open for business to everyone," lobbied Deal until the last minute, publishing an advertisement in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Sunday arguing against "legalized discrimination" and saying that southern hospitality extends beyond "good manners."
Check out today's ad in the @ajc to see the 500+ businesses supporting an open &inclusive environment for all in GA. pic.twitter.com/2gKvEUPAmm
— Georgia Prospers (@GAprospers) March 27, 2016
On Monday, the group tweeted its praise of the Republican governor for rejecting the measure.
We applaud @GovernorDeal for his courage in vetoing #HB757. We share his vision of an inclusive and welcoming Georgia. #gapol
— Georgia Prospers (@GAprospers) March 28, 2016
The controversy over the measure appeared to be taking a toll on the state, with two pending economic projects in the state cancelled ahead of Deal's decision.