Mississippi quietly passed Senate Bill 2681 Tuesday night to the ire of civil rights and LGBT activists who say the law opens the door for racial, religious and sexual discrimination. In a late night vote, the religious freedom proposal passed both houses of the Mississippi legislature and awaits a signature or veto from Governor Phil Bryant.
The religious freedom bill previously stalled as lawmakers wanted sufficient time to examine if the law would encourage discrimination against certain groups of people. After removing some of the language that could be construed as discriminatory, the bill was quickly pushed through. Even in its amended form, SB 2681 could open a time capsule of the past to the days of Jim Crow, Anti-Japanese sentiments, and other barriers from certain groups being served under the guise of religious beliefs.
Many in the Senate are still in disagreement over the language contained in the bill.
Supporters of the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act, an amended version of the 1993 federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, say it would protect religious freedom for state residents by allowing them to sue over laws that place a burden on their religious beliefs. Lawmakers looked toward sponsoring groups‘ motives to have the law on the books.
Mississippi Senator Derrick Simmons took to Twitter to express his concerns over the bill posting signs that said “No Women Allowed” and “No Gays Allowed” inferring the bill would “legalize discrimination in the State of Mississippi.”
While the bill has made it to Governor Bryant’s desk, it may not make it to law. Over 18 states have religious freedom bills on the books. Arizona governor Jan Brewer vetoed a similar state religious freedom bill after receiving flack from gay rights and human rights groups.