Georgia State senators plan to override Gov. Nathan Deal’s veto of the “anti-gay” bill.
Shortly after Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the anti-gay Free Exercise Protection Act, which was made nationwide headlines due to Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros. and A-list celebrities‘ plan to boycott Georgia’s film industry, state Sen. Mike Crane asserted his plan to override the veto.
Related: Netflix Promises to Leave Georgia if “Anti-Gay” Bill Passes
Crane said that Deal’s decision was “another example of how the political class is bought and paid for by corporations and lobbyists.” A statement read that “[r]ather than standing up and protecting the 1st Amendment, the political class would rather suffice those rights to keep the money flowing.”
According to the AJC, lawmakers adjourned for the year on Thursday, and three-fifths of the members of both the House and Senate have to “certify to the governor in writing … that in their opinion an emergency exists in the affairs of the state.”
Related: 34 Actors, Filmmakers Will Boycott Georgia If “Anti-Gay” Bill Passes
And Crane is not the first person to call a special session over the bill. Just last week, state Sen. Bill Heath promised that if Deal vetoed the bill, he would ask his colleagues to “consider an override.”
“This fight is not over,” said Crane in his official statement. “Today I am calling for a special session to override the Governor’s veto and protect the First Amendment rights of law abiding and hardworking voters throughout the state.”
Related: Disney Threatens Boycott Georgia Over “Anti-Gay” Bill
And this has Georgia film industry professionals worried. Last night extras casting company, Marinella Hume Casting shared an e-mail blast calling for actors, models, and crew members benefiting from Georgia’s film industry to call Georgia. Senator Crane and “let him know you live in Georgia would like for him to let the veto stand! Spread the word, let there be no discrimination!”
We were thrilled to hear HB 757 was vetoed this morning, however, that happiness has been short lived. Senator Crane is attempting to override the veto. Please contact Senator Crane at 470-400-9445 and let him know you live in Georgia would like for him to let the veto stand! Spread the word, let there be no discrimination!
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.”
Related: Warner Bros. Threatens Boycott Georgia If “Anti-Gay” Bill Passes
It is important to point out that Gov. Nathan Deal has a upward battle, if he wants to keep the film industry thriving in Georgia. Outside of the Religious Freedom Bill, politicians are strongly considering getting rid of Georgia’s film tax credits.
According to the report, Gov. Nathan Deal is advocating tax credits to major motion pictures but, is planning on adding new fees and tax hikes to fund new transportation improvements.
From the AJC:
Anti-tax crusaders, tea party members and fiscal conservatives have lobbed unrelenting attacks at supporters of the plan, which Republican state Sen. Bill Heath called “the largest tax increase in Georgia’s history.”
Several of the measure’s GOP supporters already face the threat of primary challenges from their right flank, and anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist recently put House Speaker David Ralston on his year-end “naughty” list for his role in pushing the tax hike.
Georgia’s film industry is undergoing a major battle behind close doors.
Related: Why Gov. Nathan Deal Will (Most Likely) Not Sign the “Anti-Gay” Bill
Georgia currently has the third-largest film industry in America. 800 movies and TV shows, 30,000-plus workers, and an economic impact of close to $5.1 billion in 2014. This will have a major impact on the Governor’s decision.
