check out these repulsive bills that have been submitted by the Georgia legislature, which, in the recent election, made a substantial move to the right with the election of a Republican majority.
- Anti-Abortion (SB 77): Makes it illegal for a physician to prescribe the morning after pill or RU 486 or to perform early abortions on patients in their office. Women who seek abortions due to rape, incest, fetal demise, failed sterilizations, cancer or other medical conditions that cannot be treated while the patient is pregnant, will be subject to the same mandates. SB 77 further authorizes anyone claiming to be the father of the aborted fetus or claiming to be related to the woman to bring action against the doctor who violates this provision.
- Domestic Partnership Ban (HB 67): Prohibits cities and counties from penalizing businesses for discriminating based on relationship status. Scheduled to be heard in the House on Monday. A floor amendment banning cities and counties from offering domestic partnership benefits for their employees may be introduced.
I'm physically sickened by both of these. Read it again, people:
they want to specifically decriminalize discrimination against gays.
On the plus side, Georgia is also pursuing a bill similar to that proposed in Colorado (and commented upon:
* Time for School (HB 230): Many studies have shown that increased parental involvement at a child's school positively affects the child in a number of ways. HB 230 aims for all working parents to have the opportunity to take an active role in their children's education by mandating that all employers allow their employees 40 hours of unpaid leave a year to attend events at their children's schools.
If you're in Georgia, this is a very important time to step forward and contact your legislators.