A Georgia House panel heard hours of testimony on a divisive "religious freedom" bill, one of a wave of measures surfacing in at least thirteen states. The bill was supported and largely authored by Sen. Josh McKoon of District 29 in Columbus, Ga.



No vote was taken Tuesday by a subcommittee of the House Judiciary committee. The bill passed the state Senate earlier this month but had received no House discussion until Tuesday.



The Georgia bill would forbid state government from infringing on a person's religious beliefs unless the government can prove a compelling interest. But critics say such measures could provide legal cover for discrimination against gays and transgender people.



The legislation has sparked dueling protests throughout this year's session.



Chairman and Republican state Rep. Wendell Willard of Sandy Springs says the subcommittee will meet Wednesday for a vote. The full House committee would meet Thursday.

Tags: Josh McKoon, sen. josh mckoon, religious freedom bill, no final vote from house committee on religious freedom bill.