Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed the state's religious freedom bill Tuesday, according to a statement from his Twitter account.
I am signing HB 1523 into law to protect sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions of individuals, organizations and private associations from discriminatory action by state government or its political subdivisions, which would include counties, cities and institutions of higher learning. This bill merely reinforces the rights which currently exist to the exercise of religious freedom as stated in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
This bill does not limit any constitutionally protected rights or actions of any citizen of this state under federal or state laws. It does not attempt to challenge federal laws, even those which are in conflict with the Mississippi Constitution, as the Legislature recognizes the prominence of federal law in such limited circumstances.
The legislation is designed in the most targeted manner possible to prevent government interference in the lives of the people from which all power to the state is derived.
The ACLU of Mississippi was not happy with with Bryant's decision and posted several heated statements on Twitter.
Sad day for #Mississippi and for the thousands of citizens who can now be turned away based on who they are. #HB1523https://t.co/LBOcolqpcj
— ACLU of Mississippi (@ACLU_MS) April 5, 2016
#Mississippi Governor @PhilBryantMS just made discrimination a part of state law... signed HB1523 this morning! https://t.co/jWwCt8VzCL
— ACLU of Mississippi (@ACLU_MS) April 5, 2016
