The governor of Georgia, under increasing pressure from major corporations and sports leagues including the NFL, has vetoed the controversial "religious liberty" bill that could have cost Atlanta's hope to host a Super Bowl.
Gov. Nathan Deal, a two-term Republican, announced his decision Monday after the state received criticism from gay rights groups and business leaders from throughout the country.
House Bill 757 would have given faith-based organizations in Georgia the option to deny services and jobs to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Supporters said the measure was meant to protect religious freedom, while opponents described the bill as anti-LGBT.
The bill was denounced by the NFL, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and local business owners.
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"This is about the character of our state and the character of its people,'' Deal said Monday morning. "Georgia is a welcoming state filled with warm, friendly and loving people. Our cities and countryside are populated with people who worship God in a myriad of ways and in very diverse settings. Our people work side by side without regard to the color of our skin, or the religion we adhere to. We are working to make life better for our families and our communities. That is the character of Georgia. I intend to do my part to keep it that way. For that reason, I will veto HB 757.''
Atlanta is one of the finalists for the next two Super Bowls to be awarded in 2019 or 2020, which would be held in the new $1.4 billion stadium that is set to open in the summer of 2017.
The NFL released a statement this month suggesting that the law, if signed, could cost the state the Super Bowl.
"NFL policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard," the NFL's statement said on March 18. "Whether the laws and regulations of a state and local community are consistent with these policies would be one of many factors NFL owners may use to evaluate potential Super Bowl host sites."
Blank also had urged the governor not to sign the bill approved by the Georgia Legislature.
"I strongly believe a diverse, inclusive and welcoming Georgia is critical to our citizens and the millions of visitors coming to enjoy all that our great state has to offer," Blank said in his statement earlier this month. "House Bill 757 undermines these principles and would have long-lasting negative impact on our state and the people of Georgia."
Meanwhile, a new North Carolina law removing protections for gay and transgender individuals is drawing a backlash from the sports world.
In a special session of the North Carolina legislature last Wednesday, a bill was passed that wiped out local statutes allowing LGBT individuals to use the bathroom corresponding to the gender with which they identity. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed the bill into law.
The NBA, Charlotte Hornets, Google, PayPal, American Airlines and Wells Fargo have expressed their displeasure with the new North Carolina law.
Last year ahead of the Final Four in Indiana, the NCAA, which is headquartered in Indianapolis, expressed serious concerns about a religious freedom law that granted businesses the right to refuse service to gay and lesbian couples. The law was amended.
