Mississippi Governor Bryant Signs Discriminatory Law

Planned Parenthood: “We oppose discrimination in all forms and denounce the Governor’s action”

Washington, D.C. – Today, Governor Bryant of Mississippi signed discrimination against the LGBT community into law. The broad law invokes a person’s religious beliefs to allow business and government workers to discriminate against the LGBTQ community, transgender people and those who engage in premarital sex. It would allow individuals and institutions to deny fertility services as well as counseling around reproductive health services to single women and gay and transgender individuals.

Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Under the guise of ‘religious freedom,’ Governor Bryant has signed discrimination into law. Freedom means freedom for everyone, and it is wrong to treat people unjustly because of who they are. This extreme law could have far-reaching consequences for Mississippians and their right to access health care, education and marriage. As a health care provider, Planned Parenthood will continue to fight for the health, well-being, and dignity of all people.”

Statement from Felicia Brown Williams, Director of Public Policy of Planned Parenthood Southeast:

“We stand with our friends in the LGBTQ community, and all of those who may be harmed because out-of-touch politicians believe them to be second class citizens. We wholly and vigorously oppose this discriminatory law and condemn Governor Bryant for targeting the LGBTQ community.  At Planned Parenthood Southeast, we advocate for affordable and accessible reproductive health care for all – regardless of gender, sexuality, or income level.”

Opposition to Governor Bryant’s action has been swift. To date, Toyota, Nissan, IBM, Levi’s, MGM Resorts, Microsoft, Mississippi Manufacturer’s Association, Mississippi Economic Council, MassMutual and AT&T have spoken out in opposition to this bill, among other local and national businesses.  

Mississippi’s action is the latest in a slew of discriminatory laws. Last month, the North Carolina legislature passed and Governor Pat McCrory signed a discriminatory anti-LGBT law that prevents transgender people from using the restroom of their choice. As a result, PayPal pulled out of plans to open a large office in North Carolina. Last week, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal vetoed a similar law that would have allowed for discrimination against the LGBT community, after significant backlash from corporations and community groups.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With over 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.