Mississippi Senate approves bill advocating strongest anti-LGBT rights under religious freedom pretext

Mississippi Senate Passes Controversial Anti-LGBT Legislation

In a move that could set a precedent for other states, the Mississippi Senate has passed House Bill 1523, the most aggressive anti-LGBT legislation in the nation. The bill, if signed into law, would allow businesses that receive public funding to discriminate against same-sex couples and those who identify as LGBT.

The bill, as reported by Buzzfeed, protects individuals who believe that sexual relations are only appropriate within opposite-sex marriages and that gender is determined by anatomy and genetics at birth. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has not commented on whether he will veto or sign the legislation.

Mississippi State Sen. Horhn expressed opposition to the bill during debate, stating, "We don't need to pass this legislation. We don't need to put another stain on Mississippi." The governor, however, has previously stated that he does not think the bill allows for discrimination.

The passage of House Bill 1523 in Mississippi could potentially harm the state's economy and reputation. Similar legislation in North Carolina and Georgia has faced opposition from the broader business community. In North Carolina, the business community is calling on state leaders to repudiate and repeal a similar discriminatory law. Georgia's governor initially planned to sign a similar bill but ultimately vetoed it under pressure from companies and other states.

The Human Rights Campaign President, Chad Griffin, has previously stated that similar legislation undermines equality and jeopardizes a state's ability to attract and retain fair-minded businesses. In a statement, Griffin wrote that the Mississippi legislation "undermines equality and jeopardizes the state's ability to attract and retain fair-minded businesses."

The current status of the signing of House Bill 1523 by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant is unclear. If signed into law, the bill could potentially harm the state's economy and reputation, and could serve as a model for other states to pass similar anti-LGBT legislation.

The debate over House Bill 1523 is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBT rights in the United States. As the battle continues, it is crucial that states do not pass legislation that allows for discrimination against any group of people.

Mississippi Senate approves bill advocating strongest anti-LGBT rights under religious freedom pretext