Sen. Greg Kirk (R - Americus) says his bill doesn't challenge the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage but simply keeps the government from discriminating against religious individuals.

"The legislation does not excuse a public official from doing his or her official duty with respect to marriages, but it does offer protection to private individuals and organizations who hold to the traditional view of marriage," he says.

His bill joins the likes of House Speaker David Ralston’s (R - Blue Ridge) Pastor Protection measure and Senator Josh McKoon's (R - Columbus) Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which has inspired heated debate since it was introduced last year.

Tags: Greg Kirk; Josh McKoon; David Ralston; First Amendment Defense Act