Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, center, walks behind his spokesman, Clay Chandler, left, as reporters ask him if he will sign a bill that would let government employees and private businesses cite religious beliefs to deny services to same-sex couples who want to marry, following a news conference on a youth jobs program at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss., Friday, April 1, 2016. Bryant would not say whether he will sign House Bill 1523, noting he had not received it yet and would need to study it first. Chandler tried to block reporters from asking questions by saying repeatedly: "Not today. Not today." (Rogelio V. Solis/The Associated Press)
Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, center, walks behind his spokesman, Clay Chandler, left, as reporters ask him if he will sign a bill that would let government employees and private businesses cite religious beliefs to deny services to same-sex couples who want to marry, following a news conference on a youth jobs program at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss., Friday, April 1, 2016. Bryant would not say whether he will sign House Bill 1523, noting he had not received it yet and would need to study it first. Chandler tried to block reporters from asking questions by saying repeatedly: “Not today. Not today.” (Rogelio V. Solis/The Associated Press)
JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — The Mississippi state chamber of commerce is opposing a religious-objections bill heading to Gov. Phil Bryant’s desk.
Mississippi Economic Council President Blake Wilson sent a statement to The Associated Press saying House Bill 1523 conflicts with the organization’s non-discrimination policy.
Businesses including Nissan North America, Toyota, Chevron, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Entergy haven’t taken a clear stance on the bill, but say they oppose any legislation that might violate their non-discrimination policies regardless of whether they’re intentional.
Supporters of the bill say it protects religious groups, small businesses and government employees from being forced to violate their religious beliefs by having to serve same-sex couples.
The bill is similar to one Georgia’s Republican governor vetoed last week after big corporations said it could lead to discrimination.
Bryant hasn’t indicated whether he will sign the bill.
adminEducation, NewsComments Off on Southern Miss ROTC program spared for at least two years, Army says
HATTIESBURG, Mississippi (AP) — The ROTC program at the University of Southern Mississippi will survive at least another two years. The Army told Mississippi elected officials on Wednesday that it’s delaying a decision about whether […]
JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — The Mississippi state Board of Education is seeking to take over the Claiborne County and Leflore County school districts, but will grant the Yazoo City system a reprieve.
The board voted Friday morning to ask Gov. Phil Bryant to declare states of emergency in Claiborne and Leflore. Byrant could act as early as Friday.
Under an agreement with Yazoo City, the district would lose accreditation and the state would appoint consultants to oversee improvements… […]
JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments Monday over challenges to a Mississippi law that could restrict access to same-sex marriage. House Bill 1523 will become law July 1 unless it […]
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