'I understand that some folks don't like this new law. I'm fine with that,' Governor Brian Kemp says at the state's Republican convention over the weekend.
- May 21, 2019
AceShowbiz - The Governor of Georgia has brushed off celebrity threats to boycott filming in the state after signing a new anti-abortion bill into law.
Actor Jason Bateman hit headlines last week, ends May 17, after becoming the latest star to blast Georgia's recently-approved 'heartbeat bill', which outlaws terminations once a foetal heartbeat can be detected, typically at around six weeks of gestation - before many women even realise they are pregnant.
The "Horrible Bosses" star declared he would refuse to work in states where abortion rights are severely limited, including Georgia, where he shoots the bulk of his hit Netflix drama "Ozark".
His comments emerged as filmmakers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer confirmed they would continue with plans to film their new Amy Adams movie, "Hillbilly Elegy", in Georgia, where production officials are granted tax breaks to shoot in the area, although they will not be returning if the law, which goes into effect in 2020, remains in place.
Governor Brian Kemp has now addressed the stars' boycott threats, insisting he is far from concerned.
Speaking at the state's Republican convention over the weekend, he said, "I understand that some folks don't like this new law. I'm fine with that. 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," he continued. "We value and protect innocent life - even though that makes C-list celebrities squawk."
In 2018, officials granted more tax credits in Georgia than any other U.S. state in a bid to boost spending in local communities. The incentives worked well, pumping an estimated $2.7 billion into the economy.
Georgia isn't the only state to adopt strict new abortion laws - politicians in Alabama and Missouri have also passed similar measures in the past week.
