Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs religious freedom bill into law despite discrimination concerns

State Sen. Ed Setzler is the chief sponsor of Senate Bill 36, which is opposed by LGBTQ groups and major business groups. He is seen here speaking in favor of a similar bill that failed to pass in the 2024 legislative session. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

This story was updated on Friday, April 4 at 12:02 p.m.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law a controversial bill on Friday that aims to protect people’s right to express their religion, but critics say it could lead to discrimination.

“Despite signing that legislation, Georgia still remains a state where there is no place for hate, and I can assure all Georgians of that today,” Kemp said at a signing ceremony.