Georgia GOP leaders say no to override of 'religious' veto

ATLANTA (AP) Republican leaders in Georgia say they will not push for a special session to override Gov. Nathan Deal's veto of a bill shielding gay marriage opponents.

Lawmakers adjourned last week. Three-fifths of members would have to support returning.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle says in a statement that getting enough votes ``would not be achievable.'' A spokesman says House Speaker David Ralston feels a special session is ``counterproductive.''

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://bit.ly/1pOAzCo ) reports that both leaders say they're ready for a fresh start next year on a similar measure. They also defended the bill Deal vetoed Monday and say it was a compromise.

Deal, a Republican, said Georgia shouldn't permit discrimination to protect religious belief. Big-name companies mobilized against the bill. Some threatened to boycott if it became law.