Ga. Senate

A controversial "religious freedom" bill has passed Georgia's state Senate.

Senators approved the bill by a vote of 37-15 Thursday. The legislation would forbid state government from infringing on a person's religious beliefs unless the government can prove it has a compelling interest.

Opponents say the bill could be used to defend discrimination, particularly against LGBT individuals. Sponsor Republican state Sen. Josh McKoon of Columbus says that hasn't been true in other states with similar laws.

Clergy have taken both sides of the issue and former Attorney General Mike Bowers who defended the state's anti-sodomy law recently came out against the bill. A similar House bill remains in a committee.

Tags: religious freedom bill, former attornery general mike bowers, kelvin cochran, sen. josh mckoon