Disney Threatens Georgia With Film Boycott

(CN) -The Walt Disney Co. said Wednesday that it will pull its film and television productions from Georgia if Gov. Nathan Deal signs recently passed "religious liberty" legislation into law.

The legislation, titled the Free Exercise Protection Act, was passed by the Georgia legislature on March 16. It creates protections to faith-based entities that refuse to provide services they say violate their beliefs.

Go. Deal has until May 3 to either sign the bill or veto it.

In a statement Disney and its Marvel Studios subsidiary described themselves as "inclusive companies," and said "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 law."

Disney has made a number of films in Georgia in recent years, including "Ant-Man" and "Captain America: Civil War."

Marvel is currently shooting "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" at Pinewood Studios in south Atlanta.

AMC Networks, which shoots "The Walking Dead" in Georgia is also called for the governor to veto the measure, releasing a statement on Wednesday that said "discrimination of any kind is reprehensible."

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