Mississippi governor signs 'religious freedom' law allowing employers to refuse service to gay couples

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) signed a bill into law Tuesday that allows for the refusal of service to gay couples on the grounds of religious beliefs. The Protecting Freedom of Conscience From Government Discrimination Act could reportedly allow the denial of housing, wedding-related goods, adoption services, marriage licenses, or space in homeless shelters to individuals, businesses, and government employees, the Advocate reports.

The bill prompted outcry from many critics, including Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin, who wrote in a press release that, "We call on Gov. Bryant to veto this discriminatory and deplorable bill, that would put his own constituents at risk of harassment and discrimination where they work, in their schools and in their communities. Gov. Bryant has a clear choice — and if he wants to lead his state forward, he should follow the example of Republican Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who understood that discrimination in any form is unacceptable."

"There is no way you can justify passing this bill," agreed Rep. Steve Holland (D-Miss.), who called it the worst bill he has seen in three decades in office.