The bill passed 31-17 Wednesday evening. It “protectes religious liberty” for those who assist with same-sex marriages such as photographers, pastors, and businesses related to weddings. Thursday morning’s vote was not rescheduled by the Senate. The law would also allow Mississippi circuit court clerks the right to refuse to issue same-sex marriage certificates if they are not in agreement with their religious beliefs. Circuit clerks will be required to make alternative arrangements for the distribution of licenses and to document their withdrawal from services with the county register. Sen. Jenifer Branning (R-Philadelphia) stated that the bill prevents the government from discriminating against this business owner in terms of fines or fees. It is about protecting religious freedom for people who don’t feel they can help people get married. It’s great for the state,” said the House of Representatives. A minor amendment was passed, and the bill was approved by the House of Representatives last week. The bill must now be resubmitted to the House for concurrence. The legislation will be sent to the governor’s desk if it is approved by the House. Phil Bryant will sign the legislation. The debate lasted two hours and was mainly focused on whether the bill was constitutionally valid or discriminatory. Branning was questioned by at least 12 senators about discrimination against gay couples. Senator Willlie Simmons (D-Cleveland) called the bill discriminatory citing his experiences in Vietnam War service and his return to Mississippi as a segregated South. Senator John Horhn (D-Jackson) suggested that the bill could cause problems in the future such as court battles or public perception issues. Horhn stated, “I wonder where this all ends.” Mississippi, why do we continue doing this to ourselves? Why is the rest of the globe so critical of us? We do things that aren’t logical and poorly thought out. This is one of them.” The debate began at 5:45 pm and ended at 7:55 pm. Senators engaged in the conversation regardless of who was speaking. Branning, a new senator in her first full session, was ready to answer questions that cited previous cases from federal and state courts. Three amendments were proposed, one of which was from Senator Derrick Simmons (D-Greenville), which would require churches and businesses to display visible signs indicating their intentions if they take advantage the law’s benefits. All of them were defeated by voice vote. The bill was passed on Wednesday night. Senators met outside the chamber to discuss the issue and greeted one another. Rob Hill, director at the Mississippi Human Rights Campaign, stated that “some senators said it best during discussion: This legislation sets Mississippi back.” Branning stated that Mississippi continues to enshrine discrimination in law and it shows that Mississippi is not open to business. “This bill offers a solution to those crossingroads.” HB1523 at a glance. Protects people who do not want to be married to same-sex individuals based on their “sincerely held religious beliefs.” Religious organizations and religious foster care agencies are not subject to criminal prosecution if they don’t serve same-sex partners. Doctors and other health care providers who refuse to provide “treatments, counselling, or surgeries related sex reassignment, gender identity transitioning, or decline to participate in the provision psychological, counseling or fertility services” are protected. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.