The NFL is taking a stand against Georgia’s“religious liberty” bill that discriminates against the LGBTQ community. If the legislations is approved by Georgia governor Nathan Deal, Atlanta’s chance to host the Super Bowl might be in jeopardy.
The bill basically states that a religious official doesn’t have to perform wedding ceremonies that goes against their beliefs (.i.e gay married). To put things in perspective, there was a time when “non-Whites” were legally banned from marrying White people.
In a statement released to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution Friday (March 18), NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy made it abundantly clear that the Georgia House Bill 757, which passed through the state senate last week, violates league policy.
“NFL policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard,” the statement reads. “Whether the laws and regulations of a state and local community are consistent with these policies would be one of many factors NFL owners may use to evaluate potential Super Bowl host sites.”
As pointed out by the AJC, the league has made such a move before. Back in 1992, the Super Bowl was moved from Arizona to Los Angeles because the state wouldn’t recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Atlanta’s brand new football stadium is expected to be finished next year. The city hopes to host the Super Bowl in 2019.
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Photo:screencap
