Tuesday’s statements were made by individuals, businesses and organizations supporting and against the bill. The controversy has extended far beyond the state. Gov. Phil Bryant This bill does not limit the rights that are currently available to religious freedom, as stated in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This bill does nothing to limit constitutionally protected rights and actions of citizens of this state, whether they are under state or federal laws. The bill does not challenge federal laws, even if they are inconsistent with the Mississippi Constitution. This is because the Legislature recognizes that federal law is important in limited circumstances. “The legislation was designed to avoid government interference in people’s lives from which all power to state is derived.” We are pleased that Governor Bryant took the initiative to protect religious people. Religions have the same constitutional rights. This type of legislative action is necessary when the LGBT political machine tries to strip someone of their religious rights. It is not discrimination as that term has been used to describe this legislation. This is protection of a constitutional rights as old as the United States for a religious person. This is freedom to worship.” William Perkins editor of Mississippi Baptist Record, Mississippi Baptist Convention. “The Governor is a strong believer. He should be commended for his courage. He has come under immense pressure and insults. This is what the LGBT political machinery has done. The Constitution also gives religious people constitutional rights. The LGBT political machine made legislative actions necessary in their quest to strip us of these rights. They must admit to this reality.” Right Rev. Rev. Brian R. Seage is the Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. “Governor Phil Bryant’s acceptance of House Bill 1523 was deeply disappointing. With the support of the Governor, an anxious majority of the State House and Senate have effectively created a new class of Mississippi citizens. … An unfounded fear is not a foundation for legislation. This seems to be the case. Our beloved state has been struggling to overcome its past, but this legislation has put Mississippi back in the sights of critics. … Mississippi is likely to find itself back in federal court, this time spending large amounts of money that could have been used for building the future. Those efforts to defend a culture that is fearful will likely fail.” Clint Roswell, an IBM spokesperson, said “IBM is disappointed Governor Bryant has signed HB1523 into law. This legislation will allow discrimination against people on the basis of their marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. These laws are not in line with IBM’s values and will be detrimental to our employees and business. IBM will follow its global anti-discrimination policy at work and believes that an inclusive environment is the best way for talented people to join our company.” U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) “The effects of signing this bill could have far-reaching consequences and be gravely detrimental to our state. The Governor and State Legislature could turn their backs upon Mississippi’s talented workers and industries that want to bring jobs to the state. This ill-advised, discriminatory bill in Mississippi could mean that federal funding is not available for transportation, infrastructure and agriculture. These types of “religious freedom” bills have been seen in other states, and we’ve seen the negative effects they had on tourism and industry in those states. Mississippi will suffer the same economic consequences as other states. The NCAA already placed Mississippi under a ban for the postseason because it still flies the confederacy’s emblem. The state has now upped the ante by adopting a bill that could legalize discrimination.” U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Mississippi) “Last June, Supreme Court announced their decision nationwide to legalize same-sex marital relationships. I voiced my disapproval and disappointment at this decision, which undermines the Constitution of Mississippi and the will and will of the people. The United States Constitution has always left the matter of marriage laws to the states. It should not be surprising that states without Constitutional authority would take such actions to defend the religious freedoms and beliefs of their citizens. It is enough. This is enough. We value the diversity of our staff, guests, and our local communities. AT&T “AT&T opposes discrimination and supports freedom of speech and religion as strongly as it does the business laws that allow businesses to refuse to provide services to individuals. Any legislation that allows discrimination against our customers or employees is contrary to our core values. Microsoft President Brad Smith It is disappointing to hear the bad news from Mississippi. These laws are bad news for people, businesses, and for job growth. #HB1523 Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves This bill simply
Protects individuals from government interference in their religious beliefs” Anna Walker, Levi Strauss & Co. senior vice president for global policy and advocacy. “Equality and nondiscrimination at work are core values of Levi Strauss & Co. We do business with these values.” These values are being undermined by laws like HB 1523. We join other Mississippi-based businesses in calling to repeal this discriminatory law.” Family Research Council We applaud Governor Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn are to be commended for their support for fundamental freedoms. For simply believing the words of President Obama a few years back, no one should be subject to crippling fines or disqualification. Phil Bryant, thank you for your courage and leadership! Thank you for standing up against the powerful interests that misrepresented this bill.” U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) “The tides of history are to expand freedom and eliminate discrimination. This new, abhorrent law in Mississippi is a slap on the face of America’s progress. We will make it clear to Mississippi and North Carolina legislators that hateful, discriminatory laws against LGBT Americans are not allowed anywhere in America. LGBT Americans have the right to equality, dignity, and respect in all 50 states. It has been a long time since Congress passed the Equality Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the Civil Rights Act that protects our democracy.” TV personality Montel Wils “As a human being and a Christian, a conservative and an American who served 22 years as a military veteran, I am dumbfounded that Governor Bryant signed HB1523. This bill is steeped with bigotry and appears to establish a sin test for public accommodations in Mississippi. Governor Bryant made this choice. He chose Mississippi’s dark past over a brighter future. This is a sad day for anyone who believes Mississippians to be kind, generous, and hospitable. The Mississippi Manufacturers Association continues to support the bill’s passage. It reflects the concern that manufacturers have about the bill’s potential conflict with their policies on diversity and inclusion. The MMA does not oppose the Governor and the legislature. Franklin Graham, son and evangelist Billy Graham. We are grateful to Governor @PhilBryantMS as well as the Mississippi legislators that voted for religious freedom. #HB1523 Mississippi Democratic Party Instead of breaking down barriers that divide, the Republican Party spent this session building new barriers to bigotry. We have to do better.” Mississippi Democratic Trust. “I am deeply disappointed in Governor Bryant’s signing of HB 1523. This is yet another example of Republican legislators getting involved in the lives of Mississippi citizens at our expense. Worse, Governor Bryant missed an opportunity to say, in earnest, “Welcome, Mississippi, we’re ready for business” and instead chose to add an asterisk. Governor Bryant once more made discrimination a state-wide policy by signing this bill into law.” ACLU Mississippi Executive Director Jennifer Riley Collins. “This is a sad moment for the state Mississippi.” Jody E. Owens, Southern Poverty Law Center Mississippi attorney. Phil Bryant’s decision not to sign HB1523 into law is outrageous. Like other anti-LGBT laws in other States, this newly enacted law uses the pretext of “religious freedom” to justify discrimination and mistreatment. This is the same logic used by white supremacists to justify Jim Crow and slavery in earlier times. Mississippi’s estimated 60,000 LGBT citizens deserve better. We must stand up for all rights.”