Georgia Governor Balks at Faith Protections Bill

Two weeks after the Georgia Senate approved a bill allowing faith-based groups to decline service to couples based on their religious convictions, the state's governor is expressing reservations about the measure.
    
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal said he wants "to give the security that the faith-based community thinks they need." But he also said he will oppose any bill that is "perceived as allowing discrimination."
    
The legislation in question would protect religious adoption agencies, schools and other organizations from being denied government funding for their views on marriage.

According to TimesFreePress.com, Republican Sen. Greg Kirk said the bill blocks the government from denying or revoking tax status, licenses or state funding based on a faith-based organization's view of marriage.

"We are not picking sides," Kirk, a former Southern Baptist pastor, said. "This bill does not favor one viewpoint over others, which is exactly how government should act with regard to religious beliefs."

The bill now returns to the House, but it is unclear how they will respond.