Mississippi Governor Signs Bill Allowing Refusal of Service to Gay People

Mississippi governor Phil Bryant signed the controversial Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act into law on Tuesday (April 5.) The bill will protect people from refusing to provide services to the  LGBTQ community due to their religious beliefs. The bill, which many say is far-reaching, also allows employers the right to cite their religion when establishing rules on workplace dress code, bathroom and locker access, and grooming. 

Bryant posted a statement to Twitter, and he explained that he signed the bill "to protect sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions of individuals, organizations and private associations from discriminatory action by state government."

Jennifer Riley-Collins, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, spoke out against Bryant's decision. She stated, "This is a sad day for the state of Mississippi and for the thousands of Mississippians who can now be turned away from businesses, refused marriage licenses, or denied housing, essential services and needed care based on who they are. This bill flies in the face of the basic American principles of fairness, justice and equality and will not protect anyone's religious liberty."

It was reported that the governors of Georgia and Virginia vetoed similar bills last week.

Source: Washington Post .