With everything happening on the national stage, it’s easy to overlook the awesome victories unfolding on the ground. In Georgia, for example, state lawmakers recently passed SB 36, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on April 4, 2025.
This landmark legislation is a triumph for religious liberty, ensuring Americans from all faiths can practice their beliefs without undue government interference within Georgia. As the 40th state to adopt a state-level RFRA, Georgia joins a robust movement to protect one of our most fundamental rights.
SB 36 mirrors the federal RFRA of 1993, which passed with bipartisan support to safeguard religious minorities from government overreach. The law requires that any government action substantially burdening religious exercise must serve a compelling interest and use the least restrictive means. This framework protects diverse faith communities—whether small ministries, Native American tribes, or mainstream churches—by giving them a legal pathway to challenge restrictive policies.
For example, it could protect a Sikh’s right to wear a turban or a church’s ability to host worship services free from arbitrary regulations!
The passage of SB 36 marks a significant moment after years of debate. Previous attempts, like the 2016 RFRA vetoed by then-Governor Nathan Deal amid business community pressure, fell short.
In 2025, however, support from the legislature and Governor Kemp’s commitment to a federal-mirror RFRA overcame opposition. The law’s supporters, including faith leaders and including Our America, argue it strengthens Georgia’s commitment to freedom of thought, speech, and worship, fostering unity across diverse communities.
The ACLU of Georgia, however, has opposed SB 36, claiming it could enable discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, racial minorities, or others by allowing religious beliefs to justify denying services or rights. This perspective is flat-out wrong. SB 36 focuses narrowly on government actions, not private discrimination, and includes safeguards like the “compelling interest” test to prevent misuse.
Local non-discrimination ordinances remain intact, and the law’s track record in 39 other states shows no evidence of widespread abuse. The ACLU’s fearmongering ignores the law’s clear intent: protecting religious exercise, not undermining civil rights.
SB 36 is a victory for all Georgians, and Americans everywhere, as it reinforces the American value that faith can thrive without government overreach. It empowers communities to preserve their traditions, from prayer gatherings to religious attire, while respecting existing protections for all.
