Mississippi's 'Turn Away the Gays' Law May Head to Supreme Court

Plaintiffs in a suit against Mississippi's anti-LGBT "religious freedom" legislation are taking a calculated risk and appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court before the law goes into effect on Friday.

Mississippi's Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act, House Bill 1523, will allow LGBT people to be turned away if businesses and service providers object to them on religious grounds. The hateful legislation is supported by the state's Republican governor, Phil Bryant (pictured).

The Campaign for Southern Equality, Lambda Legal, and the Metropolitan Community Church are some of the plaintiffs that have challenged the legality of HB 1523 since it passed last year. A U.S. district judge blocked its implementation in July 2016, stating it was unconstitutional. Equality opponents appealed to a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which reversed the earlier decision by ruling the plaintiffs could not prove injuries incurred by HB 1523 since it had yet to go into effect. An appeal was made for a hearing involving more judges, which was denied.

"This is an unfair and unconstitutional law, and we are taking our claim to the Supreme Court," Rob McDuff, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement, according to Metro Weekly. "People should not have to live through discrimination in order to challenge it."

Trending stories

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

​6 lesbian films coming we can't wait to see in 2025

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

For us, by us: 15 great trans movies made by trans filmmakers

In 'Survival of the Thickest,' queer joy and activism are one and the same

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Watch Kelly Clarkson celebrate Trans Day of Visibility on her show

Trans Day of Visibility meets MAGA? See this 'Drag Race' star's fierce stunt

Country star Tanner Adell comes out as pansexual

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

Bob the Drag Queen shades Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ weight loss: 'Girl, you have to get new pads'

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

Elton John broke down crying while writing new song 'about my death'

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

JD Vance ruthlessly mocked after everyone in Greenland refused to welcome wife Usha Vance

Watch: In gay period romance 'Lilies Not For Me,' playful wrestling turns sensual (exclusive)

HB 1523 will now be the law of the land in Mississippi unless the Supreme Court steps in and blocks it. The high court leans slightly conservative, with new justice Neil Gorsuch a reliably antigay vote. Justice Anthony Kennedy is typically a swing vote but has often ruled on the side of LGBT rights, including the decision that legalized same-sex marriage.

Under then-Gov. Mike Pence, Indiana passed a similar "religious freedom" law in 2015. Under extreme pressure, Pence signed a "fix" to the bill making it clearer that discrimination against LGBT people is not encouraged.