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

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

This week, businesses across the country are taking a stand against discrimination.

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.

Mississippi's Anti-LGBT Law Draws Outrage Nationwide

In the hours after Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB 1523 into law, academics, politicians, celebrities, and companies from all walks of life condemned the action, some even calling for travel bans and boycotts.

Mississippi Governor Signs Overly Broad "Religious Liberty" Bill Into Law

Governor Phil Bryant has signed HB 1532, a bill that 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, into law.

Last Week in Review: March 28 – April 1

Here is some of the big state legislative news that occurred last week and what we expect to see moving this week.

Mississippi's "Religious Liberty" Bill Passes House, But Is Delayed On Its Way To The Governor

Mississippi's House voted to fast-track HB 1523, one of the most dangerous "religious liberty" bills in the country, to the governor's desk today, but a motion to reconsider may delay its progress.

Mississippi Senate Passes Sweeping "Religious Liberty" Bill

Mississippi's Senate passed HB 1523 last night, making one more House vote and Governor Phil Bryant's signature the only things standing between this bill and the law books. The Washington Post describes what makes this bill so terrible.

Mississippi Set To Vote On Discriminatory Bill

Just this week, the Governors of Georgia and Virginia vetoed legislation that similarly attempted to sanction discrimination under the guise of religious liberty.  

About that Order for Supplemental Briefing in Zubik v. Burwell

Senior Litigation Counsel Greg Lipper talks about the Supreme Court's request for supplemental briefing in Zubik v. Burwell.

Last Week In Review: March 21–25

Because many state legislative sessions have ended (Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming), we can report that 13 of the so-called religious liberty bills we have been tracking are officially dead. Here is some of the big state legislative news that occurred last week and what we expect to see moving this week.

Georgia Governor Vetoes "Religious Liberty" Bill

In a brief press conference today, Governor Nathan Deal vetoed HB 757, a bill that would have sanctioned discrimination in the name of "religious liberty". 

Americans United Hails Georgia Governor’s Veto Of HB 757, A So-Called ‘Religious Freedom Bill’

Church-State Watchdog Group Says Deal Was Right To Reject Measure Designed To Foster Discrimination Against LGBT Residents

Somehow We're Still Arguing Over Birth Control In The Supreme Court

Burdens, compelling interest, and the word "hijack"–  these are just some of the concepts AU Senior Litigation Counsel Greg Lipper explores in this analysis of Wednesday's Zubik v. Burwell oral arguments.

Bill That Allows For Discrimination Moves To Mississippi Senate Floor

On Wednesday, a Mississippi Senate Committee approved HB 1523, the misleadingly named “Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” The state House has already passed the bill and the Senate will likely vote on it very soon.  The goal of HB 1523 is to allow discrimination against LGBT couples. But its reach goes much further.

A Sign Speaks: The Message Behind ‘The PILL KILLS’

Communications Director Rob Boston explores the deeper, more insidious message behind the "The PILL KILLS" sign seen at the Zubik v. Burwell rally in front of the Supreme Court yesterday.

 

The Mouse Has Spoken: Disney Threatens To Boycott Georgia If HB 757 Passes

Disney fired a warning shot across Georgia's bow today, vowing that neither it nor its Marvel Studios unit would film in the state should HB 757 pass.