Critics blast Georgia mental health bill for stripping away parental rights
Georgia Mental Health Bill Will Further Strip Away Parental Rights, Extend Government Control
Opponents of the legislation say it would centralize mental health laws, put children’s mental health in the hands of the state, keep pedophiles out of jail, and even jeopardize second amendment rights.
A Republican-led mental health bill in Georgia is drawing fire from conservatives who argue the measure could extend government control, put children’s mental health in the hands of the state, and align mental health diagnoses with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Critics also worry the bill could keep pedophiles out of jail, allow police officers to detain people they suspect of having mental health problems, and even threaten second amendment rights.
HB 1013, called the Mental Health Parity Act, was introduced by Republican Georgia House Speaker David Ralston and garnered vast bipartisan support in the House, where it was passed by an overwhelming margin earlier this month.
The bill has drawn increased scrutiny in the Senate, however, with opponents arguing the proposal is far too broad.
