Mississippi's Anti-LGBT Law Draws Outrage Nationwide — Protect Thy Neighbor

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Mississippi's Anti-LGBT Law Draws Outrage Nationwide

In the hours after Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB 1523 into law, academics, politicians, celebrities, and companies from all walks of life condemned the action, some even calling for travel bans and boycotts.

The world of academia chimed in with a memo from seven different law professors calling HB 1523 unconstitutional.

"We share the view of Justice Kennedy when he expressed that “a bare . . . desire to harm a politically unpopular group cannot constitute a legitimate governmental interest,” and would add that neither can such a desire be justified in the name of religious liberty," the memo said. "HB 1523 presents a conflict with First Amendment religious freedom doctrine by providing for religious exemptions that will meaningfully harm the rights of others, particularly LGBT Mississippians." 

Meanwhile, others took to Twitter to share their disappointment, outrage, and sadness.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

Vermont and Minnesota have also banned official travel to Mississippi.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee

Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi

Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis

Jackson City Councilman Tyrone C. Hendrix

Mayor Tony Yarber of Jackson

Mississippi native Lance Bass

Actress Patricia Arquette

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff

Dow Chemical

See more companies and politicians who have taken a stance against HB 1523 here.