Georgia Governor Vetoes Hate Bill But GOP Threatens A Fight

Earlier today, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced he will veto HB 757 — that so-called "religious freedom" bill that was really an anti-LGBT bill — in part because discrimination is wrong and because hate could have cost Georgia a pretty penny. Dozens of multi-national corporations warned they would leave the state if that discriminatory bill becomes law, and over 500 companies have joined Georgia Prospers, a coalition devoted to opposing discrimination. 

“Our people work side by side without regard to the color of our skin, or the religion we adhere to. We are working to make life better for our families and our communities. That is the character of Georgia. I intend to do my part to keep it that way. For that reason, I will veto HB 757.”

Naturally Deal’s veto has pissed off those religious conservatives who believe the Baby Jeebus actually said, Discrimination is good, if it’s against The Gays.

And even though Deal said he wouldn’t kowtow to threats by big business, he does know how Georgia fills her coffers: the state enjoys a $1.7 billion film and television industry, and many of those companies—Disney, Time Warner, AMC, Viacom—urged the governor to veto the bill. In addition, the NFL warned that it would not allow a Superbowl to be held in the state under such discrimination.

Money talks, y’all, but some Republicans in the state aren’t listening, and from the moment Governor Deal announced his veto, state lawmakers threatened to convene a special session for the sole purpose of overriding Deal’s veto.

State GOP Senator Mike Crane, who is also running for Congress, instantly launched a campaign to convince fellow lawmakers that an "emergency" exists and that they must return to the state capitol to override his upcoming veto.

And, luckily, that might prove daunting; three-fifths of House and Senate members have to 'certify to the governor in writing … that in their opinion an emergency exists in the affairs of the state.'" And that would require 108 members of the House and 34 members of the Senate to call themselves back in to work, which may prove difficult since the original bill itself received only 104 of the 118 GOP members of the Georgia House and of 37 of the 39 Republican members of the Senate.

But Mike Crane will not go silently:

"This fight is not over. Today I am calling for a special session to override the Governor’s veto and protect the First Amendment rights of law abiding and hardworking voters throughout this state."

Except, you know, The Gays.

A special session to override Deal’s veto would cost Georgia taxpayers at least $41,000 a day.

Like I said, Hate costs.

Deal Vetoes Anti-LGBT Bill

GA GOP Threatens To Override Veto