Georgia House debates bill shielding gay marriage opponents

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia House lawmakers are debating changes to a contentious bill protecting same-sex marriage opponents.

The proposal unveiled Wednesday seeks to resolve years of heated debate over the legal rights of religious citizens and concerns that various bills would encourage or excuse discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender people.

But gay-rights advocates immediately blasted the measure and said it still allows discrimination.

The bill as approved by the Senate would prevent any government penalty for individuals or organizations that refuse service to couples based on a religious belief about marriage. Supporters say it's intended to prevent religious adoption agencies, schools and other organizations from losing government funding for beliefs about marriage.

Business groups and top employers warned that the bill passed by the Senate will be seen as discriminatory.

This comes just days after The Gayly reported that Mike Griffin, a the lobbyist for the Georgia Baptist Convention and outspoken supporter of the bill, compared lawmakers to Hitler for not acting on it.

In an article published by a Christian publication, Griffin wrote that Hitler told faith leaders to "leave government to me."

"Pastors, this is happening before our eyes today!" he added.

The mention of Hitler was later removed.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 3/16/2016 @ 4:31 PM CST