While celebrities and production companies are fleeing the state of Georgia over its recent passage of a controversial pro-life law, Stacey Abrams is urging them to "stay and fight." She's hoping to convince film industry executives of that in Los Angeles on June 11, when she'll be meeting with them at the request of former CBS chairwoman Nina Tassler. Ilyse Hogue, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, will also be present.
"I want to protect jobs in Georgia," Abrams explained. "I want to protect women in Georgia. And having built relationships not only with the film industry, but other industries that are here in Georgia, I was asked to come and have a conversation about what the bill does, what the bill means, and how we can best support women in the film industry, and I’m here to provide information."
Production companies have threatened to boycott Georgia after Gov. Brian Kemp, who defeated Abrams in last fall's election, passed the fetal heartbeat bill. The legislation bans abortions at the moment a heartbeat is detected, usually six weeks. Celebrities like Sophie Turner have vowed never to act in the state again, and companies like Netflix are considering ending its business ties.
Last month, Abrams explained that while she respects the boycott, she doesn't believe it's the most effective course to take.
I respect the call for a boycott on Georgia, but I do not believe it is the most effective, strategic choice for change. https://t.co/9W9M9sb6Zg
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) May 15, 2019
The industry is rather lucrative for her state. In 2018, the hundreds of TV and film projects in Georgia broke records, resulting in $2.7 billion in direct spending.
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