Georgia legislature passes controversial Religious Freedom Act

Georgia's legislature has passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), allowing individuals to exercise their religious beliefs with limited government interference, a significant victory for Republicans and conservative religious groups. The bill, which is now headed to Governor Brian Kemp for signing, has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats who argue it could enable discrimination against marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ community and religious minorities. Supporters, including the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, insist that the law is a necessary protection for religious freedom, claiming it merely codifies existing federal standards. However, opponents fear it could be misused to justify discriminatory practices, citing past incidents in other states. The RFRA aligns Georgia with 39 other states that have enacted similar laws, but its passage has reignited debates over the balance between religious liberty and civil rights. This marks a notable shift in Georgia's legislative landscape, following a previous veto of a similar bill by former Governor Nathan Deal in 2016.