Netflix on Tuesday became the first major Hollywood studio to speak out against Georgia’s pro-life heartbeat law, warning it may move its productions out of the state if the law goes into effect.
The law, signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, bans abortion after an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detected.
“We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, told Variety. “It’s why we will work with the ACLU and others to fight it in court.
“Given the legislation has not yet been implemented, we’ll continue to film there, while also supporting partners and artists who choose not to. Should it ever come into effect, we’d rethink our entire investment in Georgia.”
But Netflix’s statement sparked plenty of pushback on social media.
“Hey look @netflix is rabidly pro-abortion!!!” pro-life advocate Obianuju Ekeocha wrote on Twitter. “It’s very telling that none of these organizations protested extreme abortion/infanticide laws in New York and other states.”
Hey look @netflix is rabidly pro-abortion!!!
— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) May 28, 2019
It’s very telling that none of these organizations protested extreme abortion/infanticide laws in New York and other states.
But they’re all protesting a law that protects babies 🤰🏽🤱🏽https://t.co/Yx0EzdSRXV
Some Netflix subscribers said they would consider canceling.
Radio host and Fox News contributor Guy Benson tweeted he “would rethink Netflix subscription if abortion advocacy stands.”
Benson would rethink Netflix subscription if abortion advocacy stands https://t.co/a3m6Jnvjy4
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) May 28, 2019
Washington Post syndicated columnist Marc Thiessen urged Netflix to stay out of the debate.
“Hey .@netflix nearly half the country is pro-life,” he wrote. “Don't alienate your pro-life customers. We have lots of streaming options these days.”
Hey .@netflix nearly half the country is pro-life. Don't alienate your pro-life customers. We have lots of streaming options theses days. https://t.co/2a4aSzElMM
— Marc Thiessen (@marcthiessen) May 28, 2019
Some, though, went ahead and canceled.
“Netflix has been garbage lately anyways,” John Snow wrote. “They haven't produced any good original content in at least two years. Been on the fence about cancelling it but haven't because of the price. This though...this made up my mind. Literally cancelling after this tweet.”
Netflix has been garbage lately anyways. They haven't produced any good original content in at least two years. Been on the fence about cancelling it but haven't because of the price. This though...this made up my mind. Literally cancelling after this tweet. #boycottNetflix
— John Snow (@JohnSno08379933) May 29, 2019
Related:
Supreme Court: States Can Require the Burial, Cremation of Aborted Babies
California May Give Hollywood Tax Breaks for Not Working in Pro-Life States
Unplanned Blocked from Distribution in Canada
Alabama’s Near-Total Abortion Ban Signed into Law
Abortion Supporters Are 'Anti-Science,' Ken Ham Says
Star Wars Director Pledges Money to Fight Georgia's Pro-Life Heartbeat Law
Georgia Gov. Defies Hollywood Threats, Signs Pro-Life Heartbeat Bill
Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com
Photo courtesy: Unsplash/Thibault Penin
