According to the L.A. Times, that’s what it’s looking like in this case.

“You have a true philosophical divide between the state Legislature and the city of Atlanta,” said Rep. Earl Ehrhart, the bill’s sponsor, a Powder Springs Republican and the incoming chairman of the House Rules Committee.

The issue – well, the state of Georgia is attempting to repeal an Atlanta city ordinance that prohibits discrimination against same-sex couples. Now, I’m generally a “government that is closest is one that governs best” kind of guy, so I’m not too fond of the state of Georgia trying to step in and essentially repeal an ordinance that affects only Atlanta and that Atlantans approve of (through our city council). The sponsor of this bill is from Powder Springs. NOT the city of Atlanta. Do the words “Mind Your Own Business” mean anything? He tried to pass this bill last year, but it didn’t go anywhere, but with the political shift in the legislature… (as a pertinent note, I’m not aware that any of Atlanta’s seats changed hands, but I could be mistaken)

Now, this is all tied to the Druid Hills Golf Club affair (outlined and discussed here) a fight which Mayor Franklin, I think, and the city of Atlanta will lose ultimately anyway (in fact, this is the conventional wisdom about it). Now, I can understand the arguments on both sides of the aisle on this one, but let’s make one thing clear, to the Georgia State Lawmakers (especially ones from out of the city) – Stay out of our business!

[Update – 2:38 p.m.]
Georgia Beat has more on it – and the text of the state bill (which I could have found if I wanted to…)

The legislation, House Bill 67, specifically states: It is the policy of this state that any organization or person in this state may elect to, or elect not to, contractually provide to unmarried persons one or more benefits, rights or privileges in the same manner that such organization or person contractually provides benefits, rights or privileges to married persons.

It further states: State and local government shall not impose any penalty on or withhold any benefits, rights or privileges from any organization or person on the basis of such organizations or persons election to or election not to contractually or otherwise provide to unmarried persons one or more benefits, rights, or privileges in the same manner that such organization or person contractually or otherwise provides benefits, rights or privileges to married persons.