BREAKING! Georgia Governor Said He Will Veto 'Anti-LGBT' Bill!

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BREAKING NEWS: Georgia Governor Said He Will Veto 'Anti-LGBT' Bill!

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal said this morning he will veto House Bill 757, also known by critics as the "anti-LGBT" bill.Opponents of the bill have argued that it discriminates against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

"I do not think that we have to discriminate against anyone to protect the faith based community in Georgia of which I and my family have been a part of for all of our lives," Deal said today.

He continued: "Our actions on House Bill 757 are not just about protecting the faith based community or providing business friendly climate for job growth in Georgia. I believe it is about the character of our state. And the character of our people.

"They choose to worship God in the way they see fit ... I believe that is our best side. And our people every day work side by side without regard to the color of their skin of their fellow mate or the religion that their co-worker might adhere to. They are simply trying to make life better for themselves, their families and their communities. That is the character of Georgia. I intend to do my part to keep it that way." 

House Bill 757 includes language that protects clergy members from performing marriage rites that violate their religious beliefs and businesses from opening on their respective Sabbath. The bill also allows churches and other religious groups to refuse employment or service to anyone who violates their beliefs. The bill says the government cannot intrude on the religious rights of an organization or an individual unless it has a strong interest to do so.

Last week, Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBT civil rights advocacy group in the nation, submitted a letter to Deal with a long list of Hollywood A-players, including Anne Hathaway and Julianne Moore, that said they won't work in the state unless the bill is vetoed. 

"We pride ourselves on running inclusive companies, and while we have enjoyed a positive partnership on productions in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere if any legislation sanctioning discrimination is signed into state law," according to the letter.

Deal said today, "Georgia is a welcoming state. It is full of loving, kind and generous people.

"And that is what we should want," he said.

GOOD!