ATLANTA (AP) — A powerful Georgia Senate committee is set to consider a bill to allow religious adoption agencies, schools, government workers and others to refuse services to same-sex couples without being penalized.
The Senate Rules committee’s agenda for Feb. 10 includes the proposal from state Sen. Greg Kirk, an Americus Republican. Committee members held a brief hearing on the bill earlier this month but didn’t vote.
The Rules committee also decides which bills receive a full Senate vote.
Kirk says his bill would not allow public employees to avoid duties of their job, including clerks who issue marriage licenses. Gay-rights advocates oppose the bill, saying it sanctions discrimination.
The proposal is one of at least eight measures filed by Georgia lawmakers this year following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
