Deal Says Georgia To Follow Supreme Court’s Gay Marriage Ruling

Gov. Nathan Deal speaks with Denis O'Hayer about the pending U.S. Supreme Court decision on gay marriage.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal says he will respect the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage when it rules. Georgia has a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, but the high court is expected to hear arguments on the issue next week. 

“Federal constitutional issues trump state constitutional issues, ” Deal told “A Closer Look” host Denis O’Hayer. “So we will abide by whatever the Supreme Court rules as an interpretation of the United States Constitution.” 

On Wednesday, State Attorney General Sam Olens said he’ll follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s order. 

Deal also spoke about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, SB 129, which was stalled in the House Judiciary Committee in the final days of the state Legislature this year. 

“What I want is to protect individuals’ right of religious freedom without causing the kind of uproar that we saw occur in Indiana and in Arkansas,” Deal said. 

Gov. Nathan Deal speaks with Denis O'Hayer about Georgia's religious freedom bill.

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