In 2016, Brian Strickland voted for legislation that would have allowed faith-based groups and individuals to deny employment or services, including marriage ceremonies, to LGBTQ+ Georgians.
2016: Strickland Voted For A “Religious Freedom” Bill That Would Have Allowed Faith-Based Groups To Deny Services Or Employment To LGBTQ+ People. In 2016, according to the Georgia General Assembly, Strickland voted for H.B. 757, “Domestic relations; religious officials shall not be required to perform marriage ceremonies in violation of their legal right; provide” According to PBS, “Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal said Monday he planned to veto House Bill 757, a ‘religious freedom’ bill, which broadly protected opponents of same-sex marriage. […] Under HB 757, faith-based groups would have been able to deny services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people or anyone who violated their ‘sincerely held religious belief,’ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The bill would have allowed religious groups the refusal to hire or retain someone who didn't align with the same beliefs.” The Georgia House agreed to the Senate amendments or substitute 104 to 65. The Georgia Senate agreed to the House changes, but Governor Deal vetoed the bill. [Georgia General Assembly – H.B. 757 (2016), Vetoed 3/28/16; Georgia House Vote 777, 3/16/16; PBS, 3/28/16]