Georgia mental health bill faces sudden, vocal opposition

A bill to improve access to mental health treatment in Georgia is now facing sudden vocal opposition.

The bill seemed to be sailing through the state legislature, but now some critics are claiming it would protect pedophiles and threaten Second Amendment rights.

According to KATV, HB 1013 will ensure that insurers provide the same level of benefits for mental health disorders as they do for physical illness. This bill would also make it easier to put someone into care without their consent and allow for forgivable loans for people who become mental health workers.

Earlier this month, the bill passed in the state House with almost unanimous support. Many have since gone to state Senate meetings to oppose the bill. Some have been recruited by anti-abortion group Georgia Right to Life and another group called Truth in Education. Truth in Education has raised concerns about critical race theory in schools.

A Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, Jeanne Seaver, has claimed the bill would classify pedophilia as mental illness instead of a crime.

Republican House Speaker Davild Ralston, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, said some of the opposition is “well-intentioned.” He said, “Then there are the others for whom their concerns are fact-free, they are outrageous, they are ridiculous.”