Religious Freedom Bill Sponsored By Rep. Teasley Sparks Debate

For the second year in a row, the “religious freedom” bill is starting off as a hot topic at the General Assembly.

The bill is sponsored by Representative Sam Teasley of Marieta, who says it protects individual religious expression from government intrusion.

Clergy are lining up on both sides of the issue. Rabbi Peter Berg of “The Temple” in Atlanta opposes the measure. He says the bill is unwanted.

"The faith community did not ask for this bill and the faith community does not want this bill.” says Berg. “What we want our legislators in Georgia to do this year is to work together to address important issues like juvenile justice and education."

A group of protesters gathered at the Capitol today to support the bill and criticize Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s firing of Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran.

Cochran wrote a Christian self-help book that condemns homosexuality. Reed says he did not go through the proper channels to get permission for outside work, a charge that Cochran disputes.

The case will likely end up in court.

GPB's Political Rewind discussed Cochran's termination and how Mayor Reed is under fire for it. Listen to the show here.

Tags: religious freedom bill, sam teasley, representative sam teasley, kelvin cochran, protests over religious freedom bill sponsored by sam teasley, mayor kasim reed under fire for termination of atlanta fire chief kelvin cochran, Georgia General Assembly