Actor, LGBT advocate, and GLAAD Media Award honoree George Takei engaged and mobilized his massive social media following to advocate against dangerous anti-LGBT bills pending in the Georgia legislature.
Linking to Georgia Unites Against Discrimination, Takei informed his followers on Facebook that many states don't have laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination in the workplace, housing, and public accommodations. He then takes special note that Georgia is currently considering five bills that would grant further license to discriminate against LGBT people, under the guise of protecting religious liberty.
In Georgia, as in many states, there are no express statewide laws prohibiting LGBT discrimination. Now some GA lawmaker...
Posted by George Takei on Tuesday, February 2, 2016
As a part of the Southern Stories program, GLAAD has been supporting Georgia LGBT advocates' efforts to oppose anti-LGBT bills in whatever form they take. We reached out to Takei with information about Georgia Unites Against Discrimination and the status of the bills, prompting him to make the posts. Many bills have been called 'Religious Freedom Restoration Acts' or RFRAs.
Takei, who is Japanese-American, is currently starring in the Broadway musical Allegiance, inspired by his family's experience with Japanese internment camps during WWII. A long-time outspoken advocate for LGBT equality, George recently received the Vito Russo Award at the 25th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York.
Soon after the first post, Takei posted a second time on Facebook and tweeted a message to his followers.
In Georgia, there are no statewide laws prohibiting LGBT discrimination. Now GA lawmakers, like those in Indiana last...
Posted by George Takei on Tuesday, February 2, 2016
GA may pass anti-LGBT laws in name of religious freedom. We beat this in Indiana; RT if you’ll join a boycott again. #NoJimCrow
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 2, 2016
According to Georgia Unites Against Discrimination, RFRAs allow individuals to ignore any law they deem to conflict with their religious beliefs. In other states, the passage of such laws has causing problems not only for LGBT people, but also child welfare, domestic violence, public safety, and business.
Nondiscrimination and RFRAs are major issues in many state legislative sessions, and are likely to be issues during the 2016 election cycle for state and federal office. GLAAD has prepared resources for journalists covering the election cycle at www.glaad.org/vote.
To get involved in the effort to oppose Georgia's anti-LGBT bills, visit Georgia Unites Against Discrimination.
