Over the weekend, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp mocked “C-list celebrities” over their threats to boycott the state for signing a so-called “heartbeat bill” into law.
The pro-life legislation protects the unborn from abortion when they have a detectable heartbeat, which is around six weeks gestation. Kemp, a Republican, was faced with threats from Hollywood players, such as abortion activist Alyssa Milano, that they would no longer work in GA if he were to sign the bill. But two weeks ago, Kemp chose the lives of the unborn over potential Hollywood dollars.
And Kemp is not exactly impressed with the boycott — or those involved, mocking them as “C-list.”
“I understand that some folks don’t like this new law. I’m fine with that,” the governor said 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. We are the party of freedom and opportunity. We value and protect innocent life — even though that makes C-list celebrities squawk,” he added.
As reported by The Daily Wire in March, some 50 actors signed onto a letter penned by Milano to the Georgia House Speaker David Ralston and Gov. Kemp threatening the state over the pro-life legislation.
“As actors, our work often brings us to Georgia. We’ve always found your state to be populated with friendly and caring people. We’ve found the hotels in which we stay and restaurants in which we dine while filming there to be comfortable and of a high quality. We’ve been glad to bring millions of dollars in revenue to support Georgia’s schools, parks and communities,” the letter opens.
“But we cannot in good conscience continue to recommend our industry remain in Georgia if H.B. 481 becomes law,” it continues.
“This dangerous and deeply-flawed bill mimics many others which have already been deemed unconstitutional,” the letter claims. “As men who identify as small-government conservatives, we remind you that government is never bigger than when it is inside a woman’s body or in her doctor’s office. This bill would remove the possibility of women receiving reproductive healthcare before most even know they are pregnant and force many women to undergo unregulated, hidden procedures at great risk to their health.”
Milano, amazingly, then calls the pro-life legislation “evil” before leveling the threat: “we will do everything in our power to move our industry to a safer state for women if H.B. 481 becomes law.”
But pro-life legislation is sweeping the nation, despite Hollywood threats. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed the strictest pro-life bill into law, outlawing abortion with an exception for the life of the mother. Other states, like Ohio and Kentucky, have enacted “heartbeat” legislation, too.
Even Louisiana, where a Democrat is serving as governor, is looking to enact legislation to protect the unborn with beating hearts. Gov. John Bel Edwards, a rare pro-life Democrat, signaled his support for heartbeat legislation making its way to his desk, The Daily Wire reported on Saturday.
“When I ran for governor, I said I was pro-life and so that’s something that’s consistent,” said Edwards, according to Fox News.
“My position hasn’t changed. In eight years in the Legislature, I was a pro-life legislator,” he added.
Edwards’ faith directs him in supporting life, but Fox News noted that the governor also has “personal significance” attached to the cause: “Nearly three decades ago, he and his wife decided to have his daughter, diagnosed as a baby with spina bifida, against the doctor’s advice to abort.”