Disney threatens Ga. boycott over religious-freedom bill

The Walt Disney Co. is threatening to stop filming in the state of Georgia if a proposed religious-freedom bill becomes law.

Republican Gov. Nathan Deal, who has voiced opposition to the bill, has until May 3 to sign or veto the proposed law passed by legislators earlier this month.

The bill seeks to prevent the government from penalizing faith-based organizations for refusing to hire or serve someone because of its religious beliefs. It also would protect religious officials who decline to officiate gay marriages. Opponents say the bill would sanction discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

"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," said a spokesman for Burbank, Calif.-based Disney.

The boycott could be a blow to Georgia, which has laws that are attractive to film producers. In the state, companies can offset offset actors' salaries, which can be a major contributor to the cost of productions.

Disney films shot in Georgia include "Ant-Man," "Captain America: Civil War" and "Guardians of the Galaxy 2."

In fiscal 2015, 248 film and TV productions were shot in Georgia, representing roughly $1.7 billion in spending. The projects are said to have generated an overall economic impact of more than $6 billion.

Read more from the Los Angeles Times.