ATLANTA — A state senator from South Georgia is sponsoring a bill designed to protect Georgians from discrimination for believing in the traditional definition of marriage.
The First Amendment Defense Act of Georgia, sponsored by state Sen. Greg Kirk, R-Americus, is modeled after legislation sponsored by U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga.
“’Live and let live’ is the motto of the First Amendment Defense Act of Georgia,” Kirk said in a news release. “Faith based organizations that believe in the long held definition of marriage should have the right to operate freely without fear of persecution or discrimination. One group’s access to a right does not diminish the rights of another.”
This legislation does not challenge the same sex marriage decision of the United States Supreme Court, nor does it excuse a public official from doing his or her official duty with respect to marriages, according to Kirk. The First Amendment Defense Act of Georgia offers protection to private individuals and organizations that believe in the traditional definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.