Sir Elton John penned an op-ed for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, in opposition to Georgia's Senate Bill 129, or the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act." The bill, which would allow individuals and businesses to use their religious beliefs as an excuse to discriminate against others—including LGBT Georgians. The bill passed the Senate last week, and is in the Georgia House now. The op-ed is available online, and will be in print tomorrow.
Elton John has lived in Atlanta since 1990, eventually establishing the Elton John AIDS Foundation in the city. In his op-ed he recalls the discrimination that his friend, living with HIV, faced from medical professionals, and is scared that this new law will create similar scenarios for others.
Simply put, this bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It promises religious freedom, but let’s be clear: No one’s religious freedom is at risk! Both the Georgia Constitution and U.S. Constitution very explicitly protect this right.
What SB 129 will really do is institutionalize the hate some people hold in their hearts against other people. It will turn back the clock on the progress we have made — not only in the fight against HIV, but also in the struggle for a more equal and just society.
To be clear, I firmly believe in freedom of religion. Everyone has the right to worship as they choose. But I also believe in justice, equality and the rule of law. We can’t just let people refuse to follow a law because they don’t like it. And we can’t just grant special exemptions that allow people to discriminate at will.
Join Sir Elton John in opposition to "Religious Freedom Restoration Act." If you live in Georgia, visit Georgia Unites Against Discrimination to tell your lawmakers that you oppose discrimination in Georgia.
No matter where you live, tweet your opposition to the dangerous bill using the hashtag #KeepGAOpen.