Religious Freedom bill dies on last night of legislative session

ATLANTA — Lawmakers finished up business for the 2015 legislative session Thursday night under the Gold Dome.
 
Among the bills that did not pass Thursday was the controversial Religious Freedom bill.
 
Opponents of the bill worked late into the night making sure there were no last-minute surprises.
 
Supporters of the bill who got it passed in the Senate said they'll be gearing up for next year. 
 
"The Bible says let your request be known with thanksgiving so we're still asking for more work to be done on the RFRA," said Mike Griffin, who represents the Georgia Baptist Convention.
 
Griffin told Channel 2's Lori Geary that he's disappointed the House failed to take up the Religious Freedom bill and vows to come back next year.
 
"This is not the end in any way," Griffin said.
 
Opponents of the bill agree and say they'll continue to fight.
 
"It's a very real threat to the gay and transgender community to have these bills passed," said Jeff Graham, with Georgia Equality.
 
Gov. Nathan Deal entered the chambers Thursday night to thank lawmakers for their hard work this session. He says he left the Religious Freedom bill up to them.
 
"That was an issue I told you many times is not an issue that was on my agenda," Deal told Geary. "I feel certain it's not the last time it will be discussed."
 
One of the main priorities for Deal this session was to pass a transportation bill that will raise $1 billion a year for roads and bridges.
 
It includes a gas tax, a hotel/motel tax and a fee for electric cars. That brought tough decisions for Republicans who promised no new taxes.
 
"The one thing that people like to say about Republicans is that they don't know how to govern. I think this session of the General Assembly has put that myth to rest," Deal said.
 
Earlier in the evening, Sen. Josh McKoon tried to attach the Religious Freedom bill onto another measure, but his attempt failed.

WSBTV