Georgia GOP Gov. Nathan Deal is urging his Republican colleagues not to repeat the same mistakes that their counterparts have made in nearby states, lest Georgia alienate the business community. Deal recently vetoed a "religious liberty" (aka “license to discriminate”) bill passed by state lawmakers last month. Greg Bluestein has the details:
In his first interview since his veto two weeks ago of House Bill 757, Deal said Tuesday he’s concerned religious conservatives who plan to revive the measure next year will put Georgia through another contentious debate.
“I don’t want to go through the same process all over again. I’ve made my position very clear. I tried to write a very thoughtful veto message,” he said. “It expressed my concerns and it expressed my reasons for vetoing it. And those reasons won’t change in my mind.” [...]
“It’s time to take another deep breath. I see what’s happening in North Carolina. I see what’s happening in Mississippi,” he said. “And I would hope that many of the ones that are pushing for it would not want the state of Georgia to go through that kind of scenario.”
While Deal's veto was widely hailed by the business community, right-wing Republicans were infuriated by the action. Deal clearly hopes to avoid a replay of the ordeal next year.