Recently, a statute was signed into effect by Mississippi Governor, Phil Bryant. As a lifelong Mississippian, I was in disbelief. The contentious Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act essentially provides religious organizations, private businesses and government officials with the right to refuse their services to any member of the LGBT community. Presently, under the guidelines set forth by Mississippi's newest piece of legislation, those who identify as homosexual are now able to be legally denied housing, medical treatment, marriage licenses and even children.
The problem with HB 1523 is that it blatantly disregards fundamental human rights. Sexual orientation should not marginalize and entire community. 16.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State." Although same-sex marriages were not a thing of the past, they are a thing of the present. Theoretically, under the provisions of HB 1523, a single mother or father could be denied housing solely based on his or her sexual preferences. HB 1523 ensures second-class citizenship for residents who do not conform to what the state believes is a conventional relationship.
The bill clearly states the primary focus of HB 1523 is to protect an individual's "sincerely held religious beliefs." If religion maintains any recurring, underlying theme, it is the open, unwavering acceptance of others. Matthew 7:1-2 reminds us, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." By signing this bill into effect, our leadership has shown us that cherry picking aspects of Christianity to follow is acceptable. If we are supposed to live in His image, we would be tolerant of anyone who chooses to live their live in a manner that differs from our own.
Mississippi has reached a crossroads wherein it must decide if it wants to stay in the 19th century, or join the rest of us in the 21st. We must now examine the very foundation upon which our religious beliefs and convictions are founded. Residents and lawmakers alike must now decide if they want to portray Mississippi as the state perpetually stuck in the past. Mississippi is now stigmatized as a homophobic state. The antiquated law now promotes ignorance and intolerance, which undermines every iota of progress made by the Hospitality State over the past 200 years. It disheartens me to watch the state I love so much become a breeding ground for pervasive radical ideas.
