Emails show Christian group drafted much of HB 1523
A Christian non-profit drafted much of the language in Mississippi’s controversial Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act and even helped write Gov. Phil Bryant’s signing speech, emails obtained by the attorney suing the governor show.
Alliance Defending Freedom, which supported Mississippi’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act enacted in 2014, brought the idea of the “religious conscience” bill, which would eventually become HB 1523, to Mississippi more than a year ago.
“We appreciate the Alliance Defending Freedom working with the Legislature to draft House Bill 1523,” Bryant said in a statement Friday. “It is perfectly normal for our office to work with individuals and organizations, who have had a role in requesting and/or opposing legislation, during the bill review process to gather additional information.”
While it may be normal, attorney Robbie Kaplan says it is a crucial distinction to the legal case she is making against the governor.
Clarion Ledger
7/22/16
Magnolia Tribune
