A group of GOP state lawmakers in Georgia are seeking to remove Coca-Cola products from their offices after the company’s CEO criticized the state’s recently passed voting law.
Legislators signed in a letter, dated Saturday and addressed to Kevin Perry, who serves as president and CEO of the Georgia Beverage Association, toppling the company for caving in what they called “canceling culture.”
Among the signatories were eight GOP State House representatives: Victor Anderson, Clint Crowe, Matt Barton, Jason Ridley, Lauren McDonald III, Stan Gunter, Dewayne Hill and Marcus Wiedower.
The letter makes additional shots at the company, accusing it of deciding to “perpetuate a national dialogue,” as they said it “seeks to intentionally deceive the citizens of Georgia and delve deeper into the division of our great state.”
Some Republican state lawmakers in Georgia are eliminating @ Coca Cola products from his state offices after the Atlanta-based beverage giant criticized the new election law. #gapol pic.twitter.com/leojXBGQAM
– Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) April 3, 2021
It comes days after Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey called for voting legislation signed by the Georgian government Brian Kemp
Brian KempTrump calls on Republicans to boycott businesses amid controversy over voting law Georgia County says eliminating All-Star game will cost tourism (R) “unacceptable” and “a step back.”
“Let me be clear and unequivocal, this legislation is unacceptable, it is a step backwards and it does not promote principles that we have defended in Georgia, around broad access to voting, around voter comfort, about ensuring electoral integrity, and that is frankly, just a step back, ”Quincey said.
Among the changes to the electoral process included in the law are provisions that create an electoral identification requirement for absentee voting and limit the use of ballot boxes.
The law also includes a language that expands early weekend voting in the state, although another change in the bill raises the deadline for requesting absentee votes. One of the provisions that provoked the reaction of critics also prohibits volunteers from handing out drinks or food to people waiting in line to vote.
In their letter to Perry on Saturday, lawmakers wrote that they have “the responsibility to all of Georgia not to engage in these wrong intentions or to continue to support the corporations of their choice.”
They also unveiled parts of the law that said they will expand “early voting opportunities, provides a way to ensure shorter voting lines, ensures the use of unloading boxes that would otherwise be illegal , as well as several other provisions that allow all Georgians greater access to fast, secure and transparent elections. “
“Given the choice of Coca-Cola under the pressure of an out-of-control cancellation culture, we respectfully request that all Coca-Cola Company products be removed immediately from our office,” they continued. . “If Coca-Cola decides to read the bill, share its true intentions and accept its role in spreading falsehoods, we would appreciate a conversation to rebuild a working relationship.”
Republicans have said legislation – in Georgia and other states – is needed to increase electoral security and public confidence in Georgia’s elections after the previous ones. President Trump
Donald Trump Lawyers say resolving the border crisis is Biden’s job, Trump calls on Republicans to boycott companies amid controversy over voting law Georgia County says elimination of All-Star game will cost tourism 0M MORE and other prominent Republican Party figures spread unproven allegations of widespread electoral fraud in the presidential race after his defeat in President Biden
Joe Biden Lawyers say solving the border crisis is the job of Biden Trump calls for Republicans to boycott companies amid controversy over White House voting law: Republican Party has “fought to articulate a reason” to oppose -se in the MORE infrastructure plan.
Democrats and human rights defenders have argued that the legislation makes it difficult for people to vote, especially those of color. Some have also said the measures respond to Democrats’ victories in the state in the November presidential election and the January run-off in the January Senate.