A cluster of 80 Hollywood actors on Friday sent a letter to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) and Speaker of the House David Ralston (R) saying they plan to boycott the state if Kemp signs the "Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act" into law. The bill, commonly referred to as the "Heartbeat Bill," would make it illegal for a woman to have an abortion after a doctor detects a heartbeat, WSB-TV reported.
This is what the letter said:
Gentleman,
As actors, our work often brings us to Georgia. We've always for 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 billions of dollars in revenue to support Georgia's schools, parks, and communities.
But we cannot in good conscience continue to recommend our industry remain in Georgia if H.B. 481 becomes law.
This dangerous and deeply-flawed bill mimics many others which have already been deemed unconstitutional. As men who identify as small-government conservatives, we remind you that the government is never bigger than when it's 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 greater risk to their health.
We can't imagine being elected officials who had to say to their constituents, "I enacted a law that was so evil, it chased billions of dollars out of our state's economy." It's not the most effective campaign slogan, but rest assured, we'll make it yours should it come to pass.
This is the precipice on which you stand.
We want to stay in Georgia. We want to continue to support the wonderful people, businesses, and communities we have come to love in the Peach State. But we will not do so silently, and we will do everything in our power to move our industry to a safer state for women if H.B. 481 becomes law.
You have the choice, gentleman. We pray you make the right one.
With Love for the People of Georgia and in Solidarity with Women,
The letter was signed by various celebrities. Notable celebrities include Christina Applegate, Alec Baldwin, Debra Messing, Alyssa Milano, Rosie O'Donnell, Emma Roberts, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Naomi Watts, Olivia Wilde and Evan Rachel wood.
More than 80 actors and creators have signed on to tell @BrianKempGA that #HB481IsBadForBusiness in #Georga. Thank you @billprady, @billybaldwin, @robertsemma, @rileykeough, @evanrachelwood, @MsSarahPaulson, @emmyrossum, @jes_chastain, @arielwinter1, @stevekazee, & @juddapatow pic.twitter.com/rB31ck6IZf
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 30, 2019
The bill passed the State House of Representatives in a narrow margin of 92-78.
Gov. Kemp released a statement, saying he vows to protect the unborn.
“Georgia values life. We stand up for the innocent and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. The legislature’s bold action reaffirms our priorities and who we are as a state. I thank these lawmakers for their leadership and applaud their undeniable courage," Kemp said in a statement Friday. “Our efforts to protect life do not end here. We must work to ease the adoption process, find loving homes for those in our foster care system, and protect the aging and vulnerable. Together, we will ensure that all Georgians are safe and have the opportunity to live, grow, learn, and prosper.”
Hollywood is said to generate $9.5 billion in economic activity in the Peach State.