Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) mocked entertainment figures’ vows to boycott his state because of its new “heartbeat” abortion law, calling opponents ― including Oscar winners Natalie Portman and Sean Penn ― “C-list celebrities.” “I understand that some folks don’t like this new law. I’m fine with that,” Kemp said at the Georgia Republican Convention on Saturday, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’re elected to do what’s right ― and standing up for precious life is always the right thing to do.” The governor reportedly went on to declare the Republican Party “the party of freedom and opportunity,” and added: “We value and protect innocent life — even though that makes C-list celebrities squawk.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp earlier this month signed the anti-abortion bill into law. It takes effect in January.

The restrictive abortion law signed by Kemp on May 7 outlaws abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. This can be as early as six weeks of pregnancy ― when many women don’t realize they’re pregnant. The list of people in the entertainment industry who have said they will no longer do business with Georgia has swelled in recent weeks to include dozens of Hollywood actors, writers, producers, directors and comedians.