Having survived Crossover Day with some wins and losses, we’re refining our focus for the final stretch of Georgia’s 2025 legislative session.
High on our list of priorities is Senate Bill 36. Here are five things you should know.
What is SB 36?
In previous years, state legislators have failed to pass a so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act, aka RFRA. Like those versions, the current bill is framed as an expansion and protection of religious rights, but in reality, it could be used to deny rights to gay people and many others. Supporters will likely use it as a reason to pass anti-LGBTQ+ laws, further restrict reproductive rights, allow business owners to discriminate at their own discretion, and control educational materials in schools.
Why does the ACLU of Georgia oppose this bill?
“SB 36 jeopardizes the rights of minorities … Across the country, similar laws have repeatedly been invoked by individuals and businesses to deny services to the LGBTQ+ community,” Nneka Ewulonu, ACLU of Georgia Staff Attorney, testified before the Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee.
What are some of the impacts?
Religion could be cited to deny housing, healthcare, and equal pay to Black people, women, interracial couples, and others. It historically has been.
Additionally, the bill could open the floodgates for lawsuits against the state and poke holes in policies Georgia already has on the books.
What’s the history behind the legislation?
In 1993, a federal bill was passed with wide support to protect the right of religious minorities to practice their faith. Since then, extremist lawmakers have tried to pass reframed versions of the initial federal law, in a way that could be used to justify discrimination.
Georgia lawmakers have introduced near-identical versions of the bill during previous sessions. In 2016, then-Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a similar bill due to backlash from the business community.
What’s the status of the bill?
The bill passed the Senate along party lines two days prior to Crossover on March 6. Now, it’s assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and could get a hearing soon.
Learn more about Senate Bill 36:
How emboldened Senators revived ‘religious liberty’ debate
Georgia Senate passes controversial Religious Freedom Bill
Georgia Senate passes religious freedom law, raising concerns about discrimination
‘Religious liberty’ legislation emerges from eight-year slumber (2024)
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