Mississippi law allows companies to deny services to gays

Gays: the governor signed the law despite the opposition of gay rights groups and some business owners


Jackson, USA - The governor of the US state of Mississippi, Phil Bryant signed a law on Tuesday allowing public and private companies to refuse services to gay couples based on the religious beliefs of their employees.

Bryant signed the bill despite opposition from rights groups of homosexuals and some business owners who said that this allows discrimination. Some conservative and religious groups support the law.

The intention of the measure would be the protection of those who believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, that sex should only happen in such relationships and that males and females are unalterable.

"This law only reinforces the rights that already exist for the exercise of religious freedom, as stated in the First Amendment of the US Constitution," the Republican governor on his Twitter account.

The law allows churches, religious, charitable groups and private companies deny services to people whose lifestyle violates their beliefs. Government officials may also refuse, although the measure says the government has yet to provide the services.

"This law does not limit any constitutionally protected right or actions of any citizen of this state under state or federal laws," said Bryant. "The intention is not to change federal laws, even those that are in conflict with the Constitution of Mississippi, since the legislature recognizes the prominence of the federal law in such limited circumstances.

"This law runs counter to the basic American principles of equality and justice and will not protect the religious freedom of anyone," said Jennifer Riley-Collins, executive director of the Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, in a statement. "Far from protecting any of the 'government discrimination', as the law says, it is an attack on the citizens of our state, and will serve as a Magnolia State emblem of shame," he added. Source: Associated Press.