Variety magazine reports that the Walt Disney Co. and Marvel Studios have joined the growing list of companies in opposition to House Bill 757 – the so-called “religious liberty” bill now being considered by Gov. Nathan Deal – and have promised to leave the state if it becomes law.
“Disney and Marvel are inclusive companies, and although we have had great experiences filming in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere should any legislation allowing discriminatory practices be signed into state law,” a Disney spokesman told Variety on Wednesday.
The companies have been big players in the state’s booming film industry with “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” filming in Georgia last year and “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” filming at Pinewood Studios south of Atlanta now.
The Disney/Marvel announcement comest just days after the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) president Chad Smith called on Hollywood to boycott television and movie production in Georgia if the bill becomes law.
Opponents claim will discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, singles, unmarried partners and those of other faiths.