Frederick Douglass Foundation endorses religious freedom legislation at state hearing

The Judiciary Committee of the State of Georgia convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss significant legislative matters, including the proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting religious beliefs and expressions.

The session began with a presentation from the state president of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, who shared personal experiences that shaped his religious convictions. He recounted his journey from a diverse religious upbringing to a solidified faith during his time at the University of Virginia and later as a teacher in South Africa. He highlighted the stark contrast between the protections for religious expression he experienced abroad and the challenges faced in the United States, particularly regarding the labeling of individuals based on their beliefs. He argued that the RFRA is essential to safeguard individuals from government intervention that could infringe upon their rights to express and live out their faith.

Following this testimony, Chelsea Thompson, general counsel for Frontline, expressed her support for SB 36, the RFRA bill. She recounted a recent conference where participants demonstrated a lack of understanding of their constitutional rights related to religious freedom. Thompson emphasized the need for clearer protections to ensure that individuals can freely exercise their beliefs without fear of government repercussions.

The discussions underscored a growing concern among advocates about the potential for government overreach in matters of personal faith and expression. The committee members engaged with the speakers, seeking to understand the implications of the proposed legislation and its potential impact on the community.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of the ongoing dialogue surrounding religious freedom and the necessity of legislative measures to protect these rights. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the RFRA bill, with the committee set to consider the testimonies and feedback received during this session.