RELIGION

Supporters of religious exemption bill say debate isn't over

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal speaks during a news conference as he announces he has vetoed legislation allowing clergy to refuse performing gay marriage and protecting people who refuse to attend the ceremonies Monday, March 28, 2016, in Atlanta. The Republican rejected the bill on Monday, saying "I have examined the protections that this bill proposes to provide to the faith based community and I can find no examples of any of those circumstances occurring in our state." (AP Photo/David Goldman) (The Associated Press)

The seal of the state of Georgia hangs behind Gov. Nathan Deal as he speaks during a press conference to announce he has vetoed legislation allowing clergy to refuse performing gay marriage and protecting people who refuse to attend the ceremonies Monday, March 28, 2016, in Atlanta. The Republican rejected the bill on Monday, saying, "I do not think that we have to discriminate against anyone to protect the faith-based community in Georgia." (AP Photo/David Goldman) (The Associated Press)

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal speaks during a press conference to announce he has vetoed legislation allowing clergy to refuse performing gay marriage and protecting people who refuse to attend the ceremonies Monday, March 28, 2016, in Atlanta. The Republican rejected the bill on Monday, saying, "I do not think that we have to discriminate against anyone to protect the faith-based community in Georgia." (AP Photo/David Goldman) (The Associated Press)

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal's plan to veto a "religious freedom" bill has supporters vowing that the issue isn't going away.

Some of the top groups supporting the measure are set to discuss their next steps Tuesday morning.

Lawmakers adjourned Thursday for the year. They need three-fifths of each chamber to request a special session to respond to Deal's veto.

If they can't meet that high bar, backers of the bill say they'll be back with a new proposal during the next legislative session.

Gay-rights advocates, though, say Georgia lawmakers should focus on creating protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents. State law doesn't offer that now for employment, housing or other services.

Deal, a Republican, said Monday that Georgia shouldn't permit discrimination to protect people of faith.