AMC Networks and Viacom have joined Disney and Marvel in condemning Georgia’s HB 757, which would allow any person or faith-based organization (including nonprofits, charities, schools, universities, and hospitals) to cite their “religious beliefs” as justification to discriminate against others, including LGBT Georgians.
The Hollywood Reporter gives further information:
AMC, which produces the hit series The Walking Dead, which is set to begin filming its seventh season in Georgia in May, did not commit itself to joining a boycott, but it has come out against the proposed law, issuing a statement that said, "As a company, AMC Networks believes that discrimination of any kind is reprehensible. We applaud Governor Deal's leadership in resisting a previous version of this divisive legislation and urge him to reject the current version as well."
On Wednesday afternoon, Viacom, the parent company of Paramount, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, VH1, Spike and MTV, also called on Georgia's governor to reject the legislation.
"Viacom is proud to champion diversity and acceptance, which are core values of our company," a company spokesperson stated. "We have enjoyed doing business in Georgia for many years and we urge Governor Deal to continue to resist and reject the patently discriminatory laws being proposed.”
AMC Networks owns multiple channels including AMC and Sundance TV which have series that regularly film in Georgia, including the drama The Walking Dead. Viacom-owned Paramount is currently producing a handful of projects shooting in Georgia.
If Governor Deal signs this bill, it means that any taxpayer-funded faith-based organizations can deny services or employment to anyone who does not share its religious beliefs. An organization could take taxpayer money to perform public services and then deny those services - as well as employment - to a taxpayer if that person doesn't share the organization's religious beliefs.
Editor's note: This post has been updated to include Viacom's statement (March 23, 8:30p ET).
