Dozens of Celebrities Threatening to Boycott Georgia if a New Religious Freedom Law is Signed

28 Mar, 2016 by Cassy Fiano

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Hollywood has thrown itself into a frenzy over a new religious freedom law passed by Georgia lawmakers. And on the cusp of that bill being signed into law, dozens of celebrities threatened to boycott Georgia if the Governor signed it.

From Independent Journal:

More than three dozen Hollywood actors and directors have signed their names to an open letter threatening to cease all film productions in Georgia if the state’s Republican governor signs a new law they argue discriminates against LGBT individuals.

Various tax incentives helped spur a lucrative film industry in the Peach State, resulting in the production of 248 films and television shows in 2015 and an estimated $1.7 billion in revenue.

Among the celebrities who added their name to the open letter were:

Kristen Chenoweth;

Anne Hathaway;

Seth MacFarlane;

Julianne Moore;

Ryan Murphy;

Rob Reiner;

Aaron Sorkin;

Gus Van Sant; and

Bob and Harvey Weinstein.

The letter reads, in part:

“We pride ourselves on running inclusive companies, and while we have enjoyed a positive partnership on productions in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere if any legislation sanctioning discrimination is signed into state law.

We urge you to veto H.B. 757 and send a strong message that Georgia will not tolerate discrimination against citizens, employees and visitors to the state.”

Among the 248 films and television productions filmed in Georgia over the last year are “The Walking Dead,” “Ant Man,” and “Allegiant.”

Looks like the spoiled celebrities got their way: Governor Nathan Deal is vetoing the legislation. It’s sad that avoiding Hollywood boycotts is more important to Deal than religious freedom is.