Mississippi Governor Signs ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Into Law

Protesters call for Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant to veto House Bill 1523 during a rally outside the Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., Monday. The governor signed the controversial bill into law on Tuesda

Rogelio V. Solis / AP

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has signed a controversial “religious freedom” bill into law.

The legislation, HB 1523, promises that the state government will not punish people who refuse to provide services to people because of a religious opposition to same-sex marriage, extramarital sex or transgender people.

Supporters say it protects the rights of people who are opposed to homosexuality but who now live in a country where same-sex marriage is a legal right.