373K, a Georgia telecom firm, says it is leaving the state because it is so disgusted by the state senate’s passage this week of an anti-gay “religious freedom” bill.
We are very saddened by the Georgia Senate which passed #HB757 also known as #FADA. It's time to relocate. pic.twitter.com/AhQFaZ41dx
— 373K, Inc. (@373KInc) February 19, 2016
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the company is moving to Nevada:
Founder Kelvin Williams said in an interview Saturday that he knew the legislation is not yet law – and may be substantially changed or halted – but that he was so disgusted by the legislation that he decided to call the moving vans.
“It makes no sense. It’s absolutely unnecessary. We are a startup and we are trying to get the best talent we can,” said Williams, who is gay. “And I don’t want to be in a state where it is hard to attract the best talent.”
Williams’ company, which started in April, has about 20 employees, including five in Georgia. He’s giving them the option to stay here – but he’s headed out.
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The Georgia bill has been called one of the most extreme versions of anti-LGBT religious freedom bills seen in the country:
By a vote of 38 to 14, the Senate approved the bill that combined the proposed Pastor Protection Act and First Amendment Defense Act to create one “super” anti-gay bill. As Towleroad reported earlier this week, this combined law would give virtually every individual and entity — from government employees and contractors to nonprofits groups and for-profit businesses — a license to discriminate against same-sex couples and their children.
