News & Commentary

Georgians suffered some damaging blows during the 2023 legislative session due to bills that unnecessarily target the poor, transgender children and their families, and voters. We saw some big wins, however. Read on to learn more.

The finish line of the 2023 Georgia legislative session is in sight. Monday marks the penultimate day of the session, and many bills may come up for a vote in either chamber at the drop of a hat or be pushed to the wayside, not to see passage this session.

Misguided, draconian laws are being used to punish and chill legitimate political protest.

The ACLU of Georgia and many other LGBTQ+ allies were at the Capitol today when the Senate discussed and ultimately passed Senate Bill 140, the current version of which includes a harmful amendment adding harsh penalties for doctors who provide gender-affirming care to youth.

It was yet another busy week under the Gold Dome, during what one ACLU of Georgia attorney dubbed the “silly season” of the state’s legislative session, a period when lawmakers may push harmful bills as quickly as possible and with little notice to prevent opponents from mobilizing.

“The latest federal data on the well-being of American kids found LGBTQ students were much more likely to have experienced all forms of violence and worse mental health outcomes than straight youths.”

Georgia lawmakers passed Senate Bill 140 along party lines in the Senate late Monday night, Crossover Day, to the dismay of the ACLU of Georgia and the numerous LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates who have been speaking out against this harmful piece of legislation.

Our attorneys and staffers are watching with great interest on Crossover Day as many bills face their first major test. The bills we support in this legislative session are the ones that protect and/or enhance the constitutional rights of all Georgians.

ACLU of Georgia Executive Director Andrea Young joined Fredricka Whitfield CNN to discuss President Biden's visit to the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the current fight for constitutional rights.