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Former AG: 'Religious Freedom' Bills Excuse Discrimination
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A former Georgia attorney general says he is troubled by two bills that supporters argue protect religious freedom.
Michael Bowers says in an analysis released Tuesday that the bills are "mean spirited" and create an excuse to discriminate.
"Why is the bill needed if not for the purpose of discriminating," says Bowers. "To tell a gay couple 'you can't have a marriage license' or to tell someone, an interfaith couple 'you can't have this apartment.' Why else do you need it?"
He also says the legislation could be used to justify breaking laws on vaccination, school curriculum or corporal punishment.
Bowers wrote the report at the request of Georgia Equality, an LGBT rights organization. He has not been considered a friend to the gay rights movement.
As attorney general, Bowers rescinded a job offer after learning the woman was a lesbian and successfully defended the state's sodomy law after a man arrested for having sex with another man challenged it.
Both bills remain in legislative committees. Supporters say they are necessary.
Tags: religious freedom bill, Michael Bowers, Georgia Equality, Former Attorney General, LGBT
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