Two Northeast Georgia lawmakers are expressing their staunch support for Georgia’s new strict abortion law.Sen. John Wilkinson of Toccoa and Rep. Terry Rogers of Clarkesville were among the lawmakers who voted to pass House Bill 481 back in March.
“I commend Governor Kemp for his stand for life,” Wilkinson tells Now Habersham. “We will not be a great state unless we support the sanctity of life for our youngest citizens, our oldest citizens and everyone in between.” He adds, “it makes me proud to take a stand for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Gov. Kemp signed House Bill 481 into law during a signing ceremony at the state Capitol on May 7. The legislation, more commonly known as the ‘heartbeat’ bill, is one of the strictest abortion laws in the nation.
Speaking before the signing, Kemp said he expects legal challenges. “But our job is to do what is right, not what is easy.”
Rep. Rogers serves as Kemp’s floor leader. “I think that today has to be considered a great day for Georgia. With Governor Kemp’s signing of the Heartbeat Bill, Georgians reaffirmed our commitment to the sanctity of all life.”
“…it makes me proud to take a stand for those who cannot speak for themselves.” – State Sen. John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa)
The ACLU says it will challenge the new law in court. Others are expected to follow suit.
Both Wilkinson and Rogers say, despite the threat of legal challenges, passing the law was the right thing to do. “I have full confidence in our attorneys going forward to defend the legislation if necessary,”says Rogers. “I’m proud to have played a small role in standing up for our the most helpless of all Georgians.”
Barring successful legal challenges, the new law will go into effect in January 2020.
This article has been updated to include comments from Rep. Terry Rogers
