"This is a Big [Bleeping] Deal!"

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (R) has vetoed a "religious liberty" bill that would have enabled widespread discrimination against gay individuals. Certainly, he was responding to pressure from business leaders. And absolutely, he was cognizant of the backlash against North Carolina and (earlier) Indiana when they put forward similar bills. But nonetheless, this is a significant turning point. Slight purpling not withstanding, Georgia is a reliably Republican, southern state. Nathan Deal is a reliably conservative Republican governor. When someone like him vetoes a bill like this, it marks a watershed moment for where gay rights are in American politics.

Kudos to Governor Deal, and to all those who helped make this day possible.