Mississippi has become the topic all over the country after Governor Phil Bryant signed into a law HB 1523 that prevents government from interfering or imposing fines on businesses that chooses not to offer marriage related services to same sex couples. The law protects those who firmly believe that marriage is the union between a woman and a man, which is my belief as well.
I don’t agree with the bill but I don’t disagree with it. I understand the premise behind the bill and certainly support less government in private business; however, was there even a problem in Mississippi to begin with that we now have a law for a non – existent problem? This bill seems to have set our beautiful state back, not forward. The intent may have been to protect private business owners who hold deep religious convictions; however, it also appears to be a legitimate way to discriminate. Lawmakers say the intent is not to discriminate but it certainly appears that way.
I can respect someone’s beliefs even if they differ from my own. I also was taught to respect everyone. Maybe it was the way we were raised, but you don’t have to agree with a person’s lifestyle and you don’t even have to like them as a person, but is it necessary to have a law to justify refusing service because someone is different?
I agree that government should stay out of private business; I just hope this law doesn’t create unfair discriminatory action under the guise of religion.
If you remember there was a baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same sex couple because it went against his religious beliefs. In my opinion, if someone refuses to bake you a cake because your lifestyle goes against their convictions; don’t sue them, find another baker. If a photographer refuses to take photographs at a same sex wedding, don’t sue them; find another photographer. On one hand I agree that Christian rights are slowly being destroyed but I also believe that all people should be treated fair and equal and God commanded us to love our neighbor.
I hope the creation of the new law which goes into effect July 1 doesn’t cause damage instead of its intended purpose. I read a statement floating around the internet this weekend after the bill controversy and it stated “Don’t argue that you are willing to go to jail for your beliefs when you aren’t even willing to go to church for them.”
