JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Religious freedom restoration acts are appearing in numerous states nationwide. It’s what some are calling anti-LGBT legislation. There are more than 100 active bills across nearly two dozen states. And at the heart of it all is a Florida group.

First Coast News’ Keitha Nelson sat down with the Founder and Chairman of the Liberty Counsel, Mat Staver at their Orlando office Thursday.

Mat Staver opened up about the work of the Liberty Counsel, his passion, mission and goals.

The Liberty Counsel has offered its services pro bono to more than 20 states across the U.S. aiming to pass laws Staver says that would protects religious freedom.

Legislation spanning from same sex marriage to the so-called bathroom bill, now causing protests and demonstrations in North Carolina.

“Who cares whether Bruce Springsteen misses a concert or some other artist from so many years ago that’s not even popular anymore decides not to go there anymore,” said Staver. “That’s a temporary event that’s not going to repeat itself. North Carolina is not missing a thing by not having Bruce Springsteen not have a concert in North Carolina.”

The Liberty Counsel’s work includes a law signed by Kentucky’s Governor, protecting people like Kim Davis, allowing clerks to opt out of same-sex marriage ceremonies or licenses.

“What’s at stake is religious freedom and common decency,” said Staver.

In Florida, Governor Rick Scott recently signed the Pastor Protection Act shielding churches and pastors from being sued for refusing to perform same sex marriages.

Opponents argue it’s a measure already covered under the first amendment, legislation pushed forward by Staver’s group.

“It’s beneficial to have a specific law that addresses this specific concern,” said Staver. “It’s a very narrow protection.”

Staver says the Liberty Counsel has no interest in discriminating against anyone, and he takes issue with being labeled a “hate group”- as defined by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

“That would be contrary to who I am,” said Staver. “Contrary to my Christian values to hate anyone. Every person no matter whether I agree or disagree they are created in the image of God. And they are entitled to dignity and respect. Because I disagree with someone doesn’t mean I hate them.”

Staver also commented on Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump’s comments Thursday morning on the Today show.

Trump said North Carolina’s governor made a mistake by signing House Bill 2 into law.

“Donald Trump is wrong,” he said. “Wait another day and he’ll have a different opinion. He’s frankly wrong and misinformed about the North Carolina law.”

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Source: Keitha Nelson-Williams, WTLV http://www.firstcoastnews.com