MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Phil Bryant Signs Hate Bill Into Law

Fire up the boycott machine. From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger:

Gov. Phil Bryant announced Tuesday via Twitter that he signed controversial House Bill 1523, the religious objections bill. Groups have protested HB1523, which they say will allow discrimination against LGBT people, and urge businesses to pressure Bryant and House Speaker Phil Gunn to fix or kill the legislation. The Mississippi Economic Council also has come out against HB1523.

“As the State Chamber of Commerce for a state that has proven its hospitable and business-friendly approach, MEC opposes efforts that would intentionally or unintentionally prevent Mississippi businesses from implementing and enforcing non-discrimination policies or that would limit diversity and inclusion impacting their customers and employees,” the organization said in a statement. “HB 1523 conflicts with this policy.”

I have signed House Bill 1523. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/00DbgQADFt

— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) April 5, 2016

UPDATE: The ACLU reacts.

“This is a sad day for the state of Mississippi and for the thousands of Mississippians who can now be turned away from businesses, refused marriage licenses, or denied housing, essential services and needed care based on who they are. This bill flies in the face of the basic American principles of fairness, justice and equality and will not protect anyone’s religious liberty. Far from protecting anyone from ‘government discrimination’ as the bill claims, it is an attack on the citizens of our state, and it will serve as the Magnolia State’s badge of shame.”