Religious liberty law illustrates Georgia’s evolving discourse on LGBTQ issues

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs SB 36, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, during a ceremonial signing in his office at the Georgia State Capitol, Friday, April 4, 2025. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal drew national attention in 2016 when he vetoed a religious liberty bill that opponents said would lead to discrimination against LGBTQ people.

When a similar measure passed again this year, Gov. Brian Kemp quickly signed it into law with much less outcry.

On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss what’s changed over the past decade with WABE supervising digital editor Patrick Saunders, who has been leading the annual Beyond Pride series, which takes a closer look at LGBTQ issues in Georgia.

Plus, Georgia Republicans and Democrats are charting the future of their parties as state lawmakers grapple with a heated political climate following the assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.