The Mississippi state Senate unanimously passed the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” (SB 2681) on Jan. 31. Debate by the state House could begin in committee as early as February 27th. This bill is similar to legislation in Arizona that has been dubbed as a “Turn Away the Gays” bill.
“Senate Bill 2681 would promote discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families in Mississippi. As a minister, it’s clear that this extreme bill is about legalizing discrimination not protecting religious freedoms. This proposed legislation is a step in the wrong direction as we move toward acceptance of LGBT people in all facets of life. That’s why we’re seeing bills like this fail across the country – they are extreme and out of touch with basic American values,” says Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE), which promotes LGBT rights across the South. “Mississippi is home to a large, strong LGBT community who will be organizing day and night against this bill.”
The Mississippi bill closely resembles similar measures that are under consideration in Arizona and Georgia. Similar bills have been defeated in Tennessee and Kansas in recent weeks. Both large corporations such as Delta Airlines and national political leaders on both sides of the aisle – including Sen. John McCain – have spoken out against the bills in Arizona and Georgia citing concerns that they legalize discrimination.
“My parents fought against Jim Crow segregation in Mississippi so I could attend any public school I wanted. It is time for fair-minded Mississippians to rally against ‘Gay Jim Crow’ legislation that would make second-class citizens of the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens, including me,” says Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith, a Unitarian Universalist minister based in his hometown of Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Since January 2013, CSE has coordinated “WE DO Campaign” actions across Mississippi, standing with same-sex couples as they requested marriage licenses in their hometowns to take a stand against Mississippi’s ban on same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples from Poplarville, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson and Tupelo participated in the campaign. CSE has also coordinated a series of free legal clinics across Mississippi focused on how LGBT people can protect their rights.
The Deep South Progressive blog continues to report on the bill.
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