ATLANTA, March 28 (UPI) -- Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday made good on a promise to veto a controversial bill that would have allowed "religious liberty" in the state -- which critics felt would effectively give people legal footing to openly practice discrimination.
Deal rejected House Bill 757 on Monday when it arrived on his desk.
"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," the governor said earlier Monday.
The Republican governor, who was previously a Democrat, said HB 757 betrayed the character of his state.
"As I have examined the protections this bill seeks to provide to religious organizations and people of faith, I can find no examples that any of the things this bill seeks to protect us against have ever occurred in Georgia," Deal added.
The tension over the bill was ratcheted up by business leaders who threatened to pull investments if the bill became law.
Filmmakers Disney and Marvel, which involve Georgia in film production, were among those threatening to leave the state.
"As I've said before, I do not think we have to discriminate against anyone to protect the faith-based community in Georgia, of which my family and I have been a part of for all of our lives," Deal said. "My decision regarding HB 757 is not just about protecting the faith-based community or providing a business friendly climate for job growth in Georgia. This is about the character of our state and the character of its people."
