Mississippi Governor Signs Controversial Religious Freedom Bill
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill into law on Tuesday that allows state businesses to refuse services to gay couples, according to the Associated Press. The legislation, which also permits state employees to decline issuing same-sex marriage licenses, was approved by lawmakers the previous week.
The bill states it protects individuals who believe marriage is between a man and a woman and that genders are unchangeable. Privately held businesses are now able to selectively provide services based on their religious beliefs. While the government is still required to offer services, individuals are permitted to opt out of providing them, a situation reminiscent of the case involving Kim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
House Bill 1523 has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ rights groups, who argue that it enables discrimination. Jennifer Riley-Collins, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, released a statement calling the bill “an attack on the citizens of our state” and labeling it “the Magnolia State’s badge of shame.” She asserted that the bill does not protect religious liberty but instead undermines “basic American principles of fairness, justice and equality.”
Governor Bryant defended the legislation, stating via Twitter that it “merely reinforces the rights which currently exist to the exercise of religious freedom as stated in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.” He further claimed the bill does not limit any constitutionally protected rights and does not attempt to challenge federal laws.
Supporters of the bill contend it safeguards the rights of those who oppose homosexuality in a country where same-sex marriage is now legal. Bryant reiterated that the law does not infringe upon existing federal or state laws.
This move by Mississippi follows a similar law enacted in North Carolina. Proposals for comparable legislation are currently under consideration in Georgia and South Dakota, signaling a broader trend of states grappling with the intersection of religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights.
The passage of this bill comes amid a national debate over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In February 2025, both the Mississippi House and Senate approved bills aimed at restricting DEI programs in public schools and universities. The House version would impact K-12 schools and universities, eliminating certain diversity training programs and prohibiting the teaching of what the bill defines as “divisive concepts.” It also mandates that schools teach Notice only two genders: male and female. The Senate version applies only to universities and community colleges.
Opponents of the DEI ban, such as Representative Jeffery Harness, expressed concern that the legislation represents a step backward in race relations and gender discrimination. The Mississippi State Conference NAACP also voiced opposition, questioning why lawmakers would consider a bill that appears to dismantle progress made in these areas. The NAACP argued that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of a functioning democracy.
According to the PRRI 2024 American Values Atlas, LGBTQ+ Americans trend younger, more female, Democratic, and less religious than other Americans. The report, based on interviews with over 22,000 adults, also examines public attitudes on LGBTQ+ rights, including support for nondiscrimination protections and opposition to religiously based service refusals. More than one-third of LGBTQ+ Americans identify as Gen Zers (36%) or millennials (34%).
The Equality Federation is tracking state legislation affecting LGBTQ+ Americans, monitoring trends and working with partners to address emerging challenges. The organization uses technology and policy expertise to provide guidance on both pro- and anti-LGBTQ+ bills.
