Disney Threatens Boycott Georgia Over "Anti-Gay" Bill
Georgia's film industry is in serious trouble.
"Disney and Marvel are inclusive companies, and although we have had great experiences filming in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere should any legislation allowing discriminatory practices be signed into state law"
Recently, the Georgia legislature has sent a religious liberty bill to Gov. Nathan Deal, who has until May 3rd to design whether or not to sign it. The bill, which is called the Free Exercise Protection Act, says no faith-based organization "Shall be required to provide social, educational or charitable services that violate such faith-based organizations sincerely held religious belief." In addition, organizations cannot be forced to “hire or retain as an employee any person whose religious beliefs or practices or lack of either are not in accord with the faith-based organizations sincerely held religious belief.”
According to the Human Rights Campaign, the bill “opens the door to discrimination in social services and employment against a wide range of Georgians.”
The gay-rights group asserts that tax-payer funded adoption and foster care agencies, homeless shelters and drug counseling centers can freely discriminate people for being LGBT.
But, things are about to get a whole lot worse for Georgia's film industry, if Gov. Nathan Deal signs the bill. Recently, Disney, who made Atlanta the unofficial home for all Marvel movies, says they will boycott Georgia, if the bill passes.
"Disney and Marvel are inclusive companies, and although we have had great experiences filming in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere should any legislation allowing discriminatory practices be signed into state law," a company spokesman said Wednesday, according to THR. That means, Disney and its Marvel Studios film company will not film future movies in Georgia if the controversial bill is signed by Georgia's governor."Disney and Marvel are inclusive companies, and although we have had great experiences filming in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere should any legislation allowing discriminatory practices be signed into state law"
Marvel has filmed such movies as Ant-Man and the upcoming Captain America: Civil War and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 in Atlanta. Disney has taken advantage of Georgia's film tax credits and have awarded the company millions of dollars in film tax incentives. However, the billion dollar film company has hired hundreds if not thousands of aspiring actors, film crew workers and provided hundreds of film jobs. If Disney decides to pull the plug, expect the rest of Hollywood to follow-suit.
Thousands of people have gone on Twitter to boycott the new bill alongside, Disney.
@GovernorDeal House Bill 757 is WRONG. You must veto! Show the world that OUR state is mature enough to fight discrimination. #VetoHB757
— Josh Gertz (@joshgertz) March 23, 2016
Its just sad that regardless of your Religious beliefs, you should be able to work and live in harmony with all types of people. #VetoHB757 — Christopher Webb ™ (@THE_CWEBB) March 23, 2016
If you're interested in stopping the new "anti-gay" bill, then try contacting the Gov. Nathan here.As a GA company, we stand with @GAprospers against HB757 and for inclusion, equality and non-discrimination. #vetoHB757
— Global Payments Inc. (@GlobalPayInc) March 23, 2016
