GAINESVILLE, Ga. — With the threats by Hollywood celebrities and leaders in the film industry to refuse to work in Georgia after Gov. Brian Kemp signed the ‘Heartbeat’ bill into law, Pastor Jentezen Franklin has released the following statement:
“I often hear of criticism for pastors that mix politics with religion, yet it seems quite hypocritical for many of these same folks to find the political opinions of elite Hollywood stars so captivating and important. Many celebrities have used their influence recently to mock Gov. Kemp for signing the ‘Heartbeat’ bill into law, and they have taken the unfortunate position that the entire state of Georgia should be denied business from the film industry. I urge other pastors and Christian leaders to step forward and stand behind the governor’s courageous decision to defend life.
I’m glad Governor Kemp has been unapologetic in his approval of the recent Heartbeat bill, a bill that was passed by the men and women of the Georgia legislature. For the millions of Georgia residents who believe innocent young life are entitled to the same God-given human rights that you and I enjoy, this is a major victory and a positive step forward in establishing a culture of life.
Hollywood personalities are choosing to hurt our economy and refuse hard-working Georgians their business simply because of their political persuasion. Let’s be clear about this: They are choosing to not employ people because of political disagreements.
What we’re learning from all of this is that Hollywood harbors contempt for those that value life in the state of Georgia – the same people that subscribe to Netflix and Hulu, and regularly watch MGM and Disney films, among others. I hope such individuals will recognize their discriminating behavior and change course in their desire for a boycott of the entire state. Adults should be able to carry about their business and have civil disagreements without feeling the impulse to take their ball and go home.”
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Pastor Jentezen Franklin is the Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church. Each week his television program “Kingdom Connection” is broadcast on major networks all over the world. A New York Times best-selling author, Jentezen has written eight books including his latest, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt.
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