Nathan Deal makes a forceful, biblical case against Georgia’s ‘religious liberty’ bill (ratings, business)

[atltechdude]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

I knew he would veto the bill, I'm just worried about these yahoos reintroducing the bill next year.

If another R governor is elected, they will definitely try again imo.

Deal being term limited and not subject to reelection definitely helped him make the right decision here.

[wilful]

Originally Posted by Cameron H

Even with all the cover from the business community, this took stones and earns my admiration and respect. Good job, Governor.

I applaud his decision and opined recently that he would do this, due to his not being up for reelection, and basically nothing to lose - a layup decision.

If he had done this in his first term than I would say your description of him having "stones" would be apt - now not so much.

Just saying.

[Mattie]

Thank you Governor Deal!

[Ant131531]

Wow, this thing is trending on twitter and the cover story on CNN.com. It really goes to show you how much national exposure and how much it would have killed Atlanta if he didn't VETO this.

[BeyondInfinity]

Originally Posted by Ant131531

Wow, this thing is trending on twitter and the cover story on CNN.com. It really goes to show you how much national exposure and how much it would have killed Atlanta if he didn't VETO this.

I wonder why NC isn't receiving backlash? Someone said that a NBA game or something to that affect was going to NC vs GA because of this dumb bill. NC Governor passed their religious bill so why are we not hearing more about that? Also, a couple of years ago, everyone was saying that NC was becoming Democratic but today it seems to be quit the opposite.

[jeoff]

Originally Posted by Cameron H

His statement was somewhat odd, in my opinion. He certainly doesn't go all-in on anti-discrimination:

The argument here seems to be that the bill is unnecessary because LGBT citizens can already be discriminated against in Georgia. While that's likely true, it's not exactly the message I'd have liked to hear.

"We do not have to discriminate against anyone to protect the faith-based community in Georgia of which I and my family have been a part of for all our lives. Our actions on House bill 757 is not just about providing business-friendly climate for job growth in Georgia. I believe it is about the character of our state and character of our people. Georgia is a welcoming state, it is full of loving, kind, and generous people, and that is what we should want. They want to worship God in the way they see fit in a myriad of ways and a variety of settings. I believe that is our best side, and our people work every day, work side-by-side without regard to the color of their skin, of their fellow mate or the religion of their co-worker might adhere to. They are simply trying to make life better for themselves, their families and their communities. That is the character of Georgia. I intend to keep it that way. For that reason I will veto House bill 757."

Exactly how much more would you want from our Republican Governor on this issue?

[fieldm]

Originally Posted by Ant131531

Wow, this thing is trending on twitter and the cover story on CNN.com. It really goes to show you how much national exposure and how much it would have killed Atlanta if he didn't VETO this.

Its because CNN is based here. Whatever big news story that has the potential for good ratings will be blasted on CNN

[midgeorgiaman]

Originally Posted by jeoff

Also to his credit, he essentially, refused the "cover" offered by the business community, and went "all-in" with argument that the law was needless discrimination, and was contrary to Christian and Georgian beliefs.

This.

I was surprised that he took this angle and I think he used it well. I haven't often been a big fan of Deal, but he remained focused on the issue and did not get tied up in the emotional culture war. While I am sure the business community's pressure had a major impact on his decision, leaving it out of the discussion and focusing on the character of Georgia's people was a well played hand.

I have no doubt it was tough for him to go against his party and he no doubt burned some political capital on this one, but he did what was in the best interest of the state today and exhibited great leadership.

[Cameron H]

Originally Posted by jeoff

Exactly how much more would you want from our Republican Governor on this issue?

I want him to say it's wrong to discriminate against a human being based on their sexual orientation. Obviously, I understand why he didn't say that -- among other things, he probably doesn't believe it. I can be disappointed without being surprised.

[primaltech]

Never thought I'd say this, but Governor Deal is my hero. He is truly pro-business.