Peach Tree Times

Brian Kemp, governor of Georgia, has expressed his support for Senate Bill 36 (SB 36), stating that it aligns with long-standing federal religious freedom protections while also welcoming people of all beliefs in Georgia. Kemp made this statement on X on April 3.

"I want to congratulate those who worked for the passage of SB 36," said Kemp, Governer. "I have always maintained that I would support and sign a version of RFRA which mirrors the language and protections provided by federal law since 1993. My commitment to that promise and to the deeply held beliefs of Georgians of faith remains unwavering. Georgia remains a welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family."

According to the Associated Press, Georgia's SB 36 was passed by the state's House on April 2, 2025. The bill mirrors the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993 and aims to prevent government interference with religious practices unless a compelling interest is demonstrated using the least restrictive means. Proponents, primarily Republican lawmakers, argue that it protects religious liberty. However, critics, including LGBTQ+ rights advocates, warn that it could be used to justify discrimination due to Georgia's lack of statewide civil rights protections. Governor Kemp has pledged to sign the bill.

A March 2024 public opinion poll conducted by AccessWDUN found that 66.3% of surveyed Georgia residents opposed the proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act, while only 33.7% expressed support. This survey highlights significant public resistance to the measure despite its progress through the legislature and underscores a growing divide between legislative priorities and public sentiment on religious freedom and civil rights.

According to First Liberty Institute, multiple U.S. states have passed RFRA-style laws over the past five years as part of a national movement to expand religious freedom protections. Notably, in 2023, West Virginia enacted Senate Bill 503 to safeguard religious student organizations' rights on public college campuses. States such as Indiana, Texas, and Arkansas have also adopted similar legislation, often sparking legal and civil rights debates. These laws typically follow the federal RFRA framework enacted in 1993.

As reported by the official Georgia state website, Brian P. Kemp has served as Georgia’s 83rd governor since January 2019. Prior to this role, Kemp was Georgia’s Secretary of State from 2010 to 2018 and previously represented the 46th district in the Georgia Senate starting in 2003. He is a University of Georgia graduate and former small business owner in the construction industry. Kemp is known for his conservative policies on voting laws, gun rights, and economic deregulation.