Georgia's House Speaker Has His Say On FADA Bill

After Governor Nathan Deal's statement yesterday about coming to a compromise over Georgia's HB 757 FADA bill that would both protect religious freedom and prevent discrimination, House Speaker David Ralston had his say.

Celebrities, Businesses, News Outlets, and Others Create Waves in Opposition to Georgia's FADA

How much backlash do Georgia legislators need before they stop pushing legislation that would allow discrimination against LGBT Georgians in the name of religion? You’d think with 400 plus companies and influential CEO’s opposing HB 757 and similar bills they’d be done with it already.

Conservative Group Denounces Georgia's FADA Bill

An Atlanta-based conservative group joins the city's Chamber of Commerce in opposing Georgia's HB 757, claiming that it would limit growth for both Atlanta and the Peach State.

Last Week In Review: February 22–26

As bills continue to pick up speed through their respective legislatures, we've decided to add a new feature to our legislative coverage that helps our readers keep track of the previous week's bill movement.

NBA Star Grant Hill Opposes Georgia's FADA Bill

More business leaders and social luminaries are opposing Georgia's HB 757 FADA bill, including NBA star Grant Hill.

Undeniable Falsehoods: Religious Right Group Releases New Report On The ‘Persecution’ of American Christians

An up-and-coming Religious Right legal group has a new name and a new look. The Texas-based Liberty Institute has rebranded itself First Liberty, and it has inaugurated its fresh look with a newly-released report that purportedly proves the existence of a wave of hostility toward American Christians.

Former U.S. Justice Department Official And Others Weigh In Against Georgia's FADA

More opposition to Georgia's HB 757 FADA bill has been pouring in. Here are few notable ones, including opinions from a former Georgia Attorney General, Wonkette, and businesses.

The Origins Missouri's SB 916 Are Frightening

The background behind Missouri's SB 916 bill, which would gut the state's Human Rights Act, is based on a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit– and that's pretty scary.

West Virginia Senate President Mum On RFRA Bill

West Virginia Senate President Bill Cole has held back his opinions on the state's proposed RFRA bill, HB 4012. The passed the House on February 11.

Salesforce CEO Comes Out Against Georgia's FADA Bill

Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO and vocal opponent of last year's Indiana RFRA, has come out against Georgia's HB 757 FADA bill. Saleforce, which cancelled events in Indiana following the passage of the RFRA, has a strong presence in Atlanta.

South Dakota's FADA Tabled By Senate Committee

South Dakota's HB 1107 FADA bill has been tabled by the state's Senate Judiciary Committee, effectively killing it.

South Dakota’s FADA Continues to Move Through the Legislature

This morning at 8:00am CST, the South Dakota Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on HB 1107, also known as the Government Nondiscrimination Act. This bill, which already passed the House, is based off of the federal First Amendment Defense Act (FADA). It would allow any individual, business, non-profit entity, or taxpayer-funded organization to ignore any law that conflicts with their religious beliefs that marriage should be recognized only as “the union of one man and one woman” and that “sexual relations are properly reserved to marriage.” 

Georgia NAACP President Calls For Community Action Against State FADA Bill

Rev. Dr. Francys Johnson, president of the Georgia NAACP, speaks out against threat that is the state's HB 757 FADA/Pastor Protection Act Bill.

West Virginia City Council Considers Whether To Condemn State's RFRA Bill

The Morgantown City Council is considering a resolution to condemn HB 4012, West Virginia's RFRA bill.

Students To Make Their Stories Heard In Upcoming SCOTUS Contraception Case

Last week, we submitted a brief in the ACA contraception accommodations case set to be heard in front of the Supreme Court next month. 

Georgia's FADA Not Finalized Yet, Says Governor

While Georgia's HB 757 has been passed by the state's Senate, Governor Nathan Deal suggests that some changes are coming to the legislation.

Georgia's FADA Passes The Senate, Businesses Take Notice

After hours of debate, the Georgia Senate passed HB 757, a bill that combined a state FADA bill and a Pastor Protection Act into one devastating piece of legislation.

Spotlight On: Georgia's HB 757 State FADA/Pastor Protection Act

This morning, the Georgia Senate will debate HB 757, a hybrid of the House Pastor Protection Act and the Georgia First Amendment Defense Act (FADA) (previously SB 284). Many are likely asking: how did they get combined? What does the hybrid bill do? What happens next? What can I do?

Federal Appeals Court Upholds ACA Contraception Accommodation

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ACA's contraception accommodation, making it the eighth circuit court to rule for the federal government in this matter. This same accommodation will be heard in front of the Supreme Court next month.

AU Submits Brief In Supreme Court Contraception Case

Americans United submitted a brief in the case of Zubik v. Burwell, the contraception case currently before the Supreme Court.