Summary: Georgia is facing outside pressure to can its latest legislation that would allow religious groups to exclude those with opposing beliefs. 

Georgia may lose billions of dollars in revenue if a new religious freedom law is allowed to pass. Independent Journal Review reports that dozens of Hollywood actors and directors have signed their name to an open letter that threaten to stop film production in the state if Republican Governor Nathan Deal signs a law into action which many view as discriminatory towards gay and transgender people.

Because of tax incentives, Georgia has become a hot spot for Hollywood film production. Shows such as The Walking Dead and Allegiant film there, and Hollywood money has brought almost $1.7 billion in revenue. In 2015, for instance, 248 films and television shows were filmed there.

A-list celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Aaron Sorkin, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, and Julianne Moore signed their name to the letter, which says in part, “We pride ourselves on running inclusive companies, and while we have enjoyed a positive partnership on productions in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere if any legislation sanctioning discrimination is signed into state law.”

The legislation they are referring to is H.B. 757, which was passed by the state legislature last week. The bill says that no pastor can be forced to perform gay weddings, faith-based groups can exclude people from holding events on their property who don’t hold their beliefs, and faith-based organizations are allowed to not hire or retain employees with contradicting beliefs.

Deal has said he would never sign anything that is discriminatory, and he has until May 3 to decide what to do with H.B. 757.

In addition to losing Hollywood money, mega corporations are threatening to boycott the state. Over 300 companies which include Disney, Google, and Coca-Cola have publicly protested the bill. The National Football League has warned that Atlanta could lose the chance to host any future Super Bowls if the law is enacted. The city is currently gunning to host the 2019 or 2020 Bowl.

Source: Independent Journal Review