Changes proposed to Mississippi’s religious practices bill
A Mississippi House panel is proposing changes that might neutralize concerns about whether a religious-freedom bill could lead to discrimination against gay people or other groups.
The House Judiciary B Committee on Thursday discussed Senate Bill 2681, the “Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”
A subcommittee proposes removing parts of the bill that would allow people to refuse service to others based on religious beliefs. If the full committee accepts the changes, the bill would say state government cannot infringe on religious practices.
The original version of the Mississippi bill is similar to a measure that Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed Wednesday after critics said it could lead to discrimination.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi opposes the original Mississippi bill, saying it would allow discrimination against people based on race, sexual identity, religion and national origin. ACLU attorneys were evaluating the proposed changes.
SunHerald
2/28/14
Magnolia Tribune
