The state is already facing a nation backlash over a Senate vote to pass a so-called “religious liberty’ bill that critics say will legalize discrimination against gays, lesbians and other minorities. According to The GA Voice, a small tech start-up company has announced plans to leave Georgia, while big players like Home Depot, Delta and others have voiced their opposition to the legislation. The bill is back in the House after numerous changes were made last week in the Senate. The intent of the bill was originally to protect clergy from having to perform same-sex marriages, but has, according to opponents, since evolved into allowing faith-based organizations that receive taxpayer money to refuse services to LGBT people, singles, unmarried partners and those of other faiths.
President Barack Obama has announced his intent to appoint MARTA GM/CEO, Keith T. Parker to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. The council provides the president – through the Secretary of Homeland Security – with advice on the security of the critical infrastructure sectors and their information systems. The council comprises a maximum of 30 members, appointed by the president from private industry, academia, and state and local government.
The City of Atlanta Municipal Court has announced new assignments for its presiding judges. Judge Crystal Gaines will preside over the revamped Failure to Appear (FTA) docket after presiding over the Housing Court for the past six years. Each year more than 40,000 cases enter FTA status and many defendants come to court later attempting to resolve their cases. In her new role, Judge Gaines will hear FTA cases daily, allowing individuals the opportunity to clear up outstanding cases. Judge Christopher Portis will preside over the Housing Court. The Atlanta native was appointed to Municipal Court by Mayor Kasim Reed in July 2015 after serving as a part-time Fulton County Magistrate Judge since 2008. The new assignments will take effect on Monday, March 14.
