This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35971038
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Mississippi passes controversial 'religious freedom' bill | Mississippi passes controversial 'religious freedom' bill |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The governor of Mississippi has signed a controversial bill that allows businesses to refuse service to gay couples based on religious beliefs. | The governor of Mississippi has signed a controversial bill that allows businesses to refuse service to gay couples based on religious beliefs. |
| Governor Phil Bryant signed HB1523 into law on Tuesday amid opposition from equal rights groups and businesses. | Governor Phil Bryant signed HB1523 into law on Tuesday amid opposition from equal rights groups and businesses. |
| He said the bill "protects sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions". | He said the bill "protects sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions". |
| Protesters say the bill would allow for lawful discrimination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. | Protesters say the bill would allow for lawful discrimination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. |
| The bill comes at a time when numerous US states are passing or considering similar laws. | The bill comes at a time when numerous US states are passing or considering similar laws. |
| North Carolina recently passed a bill that revokes protections for LGBT people and requires transgender individuals to use restrooms based on their biological gender identity. | |
| The governor of Georgia rejected a similar bill after pressure from major companies that do business in the state. | |
| States have been drawing up religious freedom laws, largely under pressure from religious groups, in response to the US Supreme Court ruling last summer legalising gay marriage. | |
| Mr Bryant said the bill does not limit rights of citizens under the US Constitution and was designed to "prevent government interference in the lives of the people". |