Supporters insist the final version of the new law is not similar to the bill that failed in Arizona
James Withers
4 APRIL 2014
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant held a small ceremony for the signing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a bill LGBTI advocates see as a step toward state approved anti-gay discrimination.
'I am proud to sign the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act today, which will protect the individual religious freedom of Mississippians of all faiths from government interference,' the Republican said in a 3 April statement.
'Mississippi has now joined 18 other states to defend religious freedoms on a state level,' the governor continued.
Earlier this week, the state House passed the legislation 79-43; in the Senate the vote was 37-14.
According to the Associated Press, a version of the bill was considered a few weeks ago. That proposal mirrored what was vetoed by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.
Mississippi economic leaders warned the original bill could damage state businesses; the law's supporters maintain the new legislation is not close to what was considered in Arizona.
In a 1 April statement, the ACLU acknowledged the revisions but expressed doubts.
'We will continue to fight in state legislatures across the country to ensure that religious freedom remains a shield, not a sword,' said Eunice Rho, the groups's advocacy and policy counsel.
Tony Perkins, president of the anti-gay Family Research Council, attended today's (3 March) signing ceremony.
'Those who understand the importance and cherish the historic understanding of religious freedom are grateful for leaders who respond to fact and not fictitious claims of those who are trying to quarantine faith within the walls of our churches or homes,' Perkins said in a statement, as reported by the Associated Press.
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant held a small ceremony for the signing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a bill LGBTI advocates see as a step toward state approved anti-gay discrimination.
'I am proud to sign the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act today, which will protect the individual religious freedom of Mississippians of all faiths from government interference,' the Republican said in a 3 April statement.
'Mississippi has now joined 18 other states to defend religious freedoms on a state level,' the governor continued.
Earlier this week, the state House passed the legislation 79-43; in the Senate the vote was 37-14.
According to the Associated Press, a version of the bill was considered a few weeks ago. That proposal mirrored what was vetoed by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.
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| "Only if you're from Hell" |
In a 1 April statement, the ACLU acknowledged the revisions but expressed doubts.
'We will continue to fight in state legislatures across the country to ensure that religious freedom remains a shield, not a sword,' said Eunice Rho, the groups's advocacy and policy counsel.
Tony Perkins, president of the anti-gay Family Research Council, attended today's (3 March) signing ceremony.
'Those who understand the importance and cherish the historic understanding of religious freedom are grateful for leaders who respond to fact and not fictitious claims of those who are trying to quarantine faith within the walls of our churches or homes,' Perkins said in a statement, as reported by the Associated Press.
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I'm just at a loss for words, so I'll let the immortal Nina Simone speak for me...
"Fear Eats the Soul"
Their "religious freedom" is really SLAVERY TO HATE AND IGNORANMT PREJUDICE!
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