Hundreds demand repeal of Mississippi anti-LGBT law
Hundreds of protesters took to the Mississippi Governor’s mansion at the weekend to demand the repeal of the state’s anti-LGBT laws.
Advocates from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Southern Policy Law Center, Planned Parenthood and numerous others, stood on the streets in Jackson on Sunday to demand Governor Phil Bryant repeal HB 1523.
The rally called on the Governor and others in the legislature to stop the bill before it comes into force on July 1 and prevent making LGBT people “second class citizens” in Mississippi.
HRC President, Chad Griffin, said: “There is still time for Governor Bryant to do the right thing and repeal H.B. 1523.
“If this discriminatory law is allowed to stand, LGBTQ Mississippians in just two months will become second-class citizens in the place they call home, and the state’s economy and reputation will continue to suffer.
“This fight is far from over, and we remain committed to doing everything possible to remove this terrible law from books in the great state of Mississippi.”
The passage of the ‘Religious Liberties Accommodation Act’ has already seen a number of performers and business withdraw from the state – with the HRC warning the legislation could have terrible ramifications on the local economy.
Additionally, the UK Foreign Office has warned LGBT Brits about travelling to the Magnolia State.
The law, which has been deemed the most homo and transphobic piece of legislation to be passed yet, allows almost any individual or organisation to justify discrimination against LGBT people, single mothers, unwed couples and others.
It would also allow a Kim Davis-style refusal of duty, with state employees able to refuse to perform their duty if it involves LGBT people.
