Georgia Lawmakers Approve Religious Rights Protections

Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill protecting the religious rights of faith-based groups and government workers who disagree with same-sex marriage.

For example, the measure would allow religious schools or adoption agencies to hire people who share their beliefs on marriage.

It also protects religious officials who decline to perform same-sex marriages.

The newly revised bill now heads to Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal.

Gay activists oppose the bill. But supporters say people who have a faith-based objection to gay marriage should not be denied government contracts or jobs, simply because of their religious beliefs.

Georgia legislators have proposed at least eight religious exemption measures since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015.