Georgia Senate Bill SB319

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/21/23

Caption

State Civil Rights Law; protecting individuals from discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and employment; provide

Impact

The enactment of SB319 would position Georgia among the few states with robust state-level civil rights protections. It aims to enhance protections against discrimination, reinforcing the principle of equality as enshrined in the Georgia Constitution. The proposed changes are believed to spearhead significant reforms in both public and private employment practices, as well as in rental and housing transactions, ensuring fair treatment across various sectors of society.

Summary

Senate Bill 319 proposes to establish comprehensive civil rights protections in Georgia, addressing discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and employment. The bill seeks to expand existing laws to include explicit protections for individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and age. By amending various sections of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the bill aims to create clearer definitions and processes for dealing with discrimination claims, empowering individuals to seek legal recourse for violations of their civil rights.

Contention

However, there is contention surrounding the bill, particularly from groups concerned about the implications of including sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. Opponents argue that the bill may lead to conflicts with religious freedoms and the potential for increased litigation against businesses that do not align with these expanded definitions. Proponents counter that these protections are necessary to combat systemic discrimination and to uphold human dignity for all Georgia residents.