Dr. Brian Kaylor submitted the following testimony to the Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee in opposition to SJR 39 on April 12.
Missouri Legislature Pushes Back Vote On Anti-LGBT Constitutional Amendment
Expecting that the House Emerging Issues Committee would be holding a vote on the resolution on Wednesday evening, opponents of Missouri's problematic SJR 39 were let-down when the committee postponed what was predicted to be a close vote until next week.
U.S. Commission On Civil Rights Condemns "Religious Liberty" Bills
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has weighed in on the bills we’ve been working on at PTN. In a statement released on Monday, the agency condemned state laws and pending legislation that sanction discrimination, especially against LGBT Americans, under the guise of religious liberty.
UK Foreign Office Issues Warnings To British Travelers About Anti-LGBT State Laws
It's no secret that anti-LGBT "religious liberty" laws have been the talk of the nation for the past month. Bills in Georgia, Mississippi, and Missouri that allow individuals to use religion to discriminate have ignited a firestorm of criticism, including official travel bans, boycotts by entertainers, and protests by the business community. Now there's criticism coming from abroad.
No-Fly Zone: Muslim Kicked Off Flight For Speaking Arabic Is Another Example Of Real Religious Persecution
Last Week in Review: April 11-15
SNL Rips Religious Refusals Laws
This past weekend, Saturday Night Live parodied the anti-LGBT legislation we cover daily on PTN. In a satirical trailer starring Vanessa Bayer, SNL also sends up the 'Christian persecution' film genre, specifically the widely-panned God Is Not Dead 2.
Missouri Lawmaker Signals Which Way House Committee May Vote On SJR 39
After a four and a half hour hearing on Tuesday night, the first inklings of how the House Emerging Issues Committee will vote on Missouri's SJR 39 are emerging.
Georgia's Governor Does Not Regret Decision To Veto "Religious Liberty" Bill
In his first interview since vetoing Georgia's HB 757 in March, Governor Nathan Deal said he does not regret his decision, and that the uproar over recent bills in North Carolina and Mississippi should give legislators seeking to pass "religious liberty" bills second thoughts. Had it been signed, HB 757, the Georgia “religious liberty” bill, would have permitted discrimination like the bills in these other states.
Read Our Missouri SJR 39 House Committee Hearing Storify!
The Zubik Supplemental Briefs: The Objectors Push for Second-Class Coverage, With a Smile
Missouri Businesses And Law Professors Speak Out Against SJR 39
Ninety-Five Mississippi Writers Sign Letter Opposing HB 1523
On Monday, 95 Mississippi writers co-signed a letter in response to HB 1523, a bill signed into law last week which could allow a range of individuals, corporations, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations—including those that receive taxpayer funding to perform social services—to refuse to provide goods and services to same sex couples, single mothers, divorcees, and anyone who has had sex outside of marriage and their families.
Last Week in Review: April 4–8
Musician Bryan Adams Cancels Mississippi Show Over Anti-LGBT Bill
In a decision that probably cuts like a knife to rock fans in Mississippi, Canadian musician Bryan Adams has cancelled his April 14 show in Biloxi.
MTV News Calls On Readers To "Protect Thy Neighbor"
Mississippi's "Religious Freedom" Bill Under Federal Review
According to the Washington Blade, three federal agencies are reviewing HB 1523, Mississippi's overly broad so-called religious freedom bill signed into law by Governor Phil Bryant this week. Spokespersons for Departments of Housing & Urban Development, Health & Human Services, and Transportation have all confirmed that their agencies are now taking a look at the law.
Businesses A Powerful Force In The Fight Against "Religious Freedom" Bills
Jackson City Council Passes Resolution Condemning HB 1523
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB 1523 into law Tuesday morning; by the evening, the city council of the state capital had approved a resolution condemning it.
AU Legislative Director Speaks At Georgia Victory Rally
AU Legislative Director Maggie Garrett joined more than 300 people at the Georgia Capitol at a victory rally celebrating Governor Nathan Deal's veto of HB 757, a bill that would have sanctioned discrimination based on religious beliefs.