SOUTHAVEN, Mississippi. — The Mississippi House approved a controversial religious freedom bill and it could soon land on Governor Phil Bryant’s desk.
The House may reconsider it next week.
The bill protects businesses that deny service to same sex couples based on religious beliefs.
WREG spoke with Kailyn Carithers who got engaged to her partner in December.
The two met their freshman year at Southaven High School in Mississippi.
“We are planning the wedding for about two years off and we’ve just been together ever since we pretty much met,” she said.
Carithers said House Bill 1523 could make it tough for her and her partner.
It would allow certain government employees, private businesses and religious organizations to avoid offering services based on religious belief that marriage is between a man and woman.
That means based on religion, businesses don’t have to serve Carithers and her partner.
“You don’t see religious people having laws that says other people can deny them stuff just because of their religion,” she said.
The bill also said the state isn’t obligated to punish businesses that refuse to sell goods or services to same sex couples or religious groups that refuse to let them be foster or adoptive parents.
“That’s why I support the bill because I don’t think people should lose their business if they choose to follow their own religious conviction,” said Terry Mudder.
Mudder knows of situations where businesses were punished in the past.
“I’ve seen situations where like florists and people who own a bakery in other states have been punished or threatened that they would take away their business if they didn’t make a cake for a same sex marriage,” he said.
“I want to own my own business one day, and I would never deny something to somebody just because of what they believe in,” said Carithers.
A spokesperson with Governor Phil Bryant’s office said he will thoroughly review the bill before making a decision.
Some groups started petitions in hopes that the governor will not sign it.
Some African American lawmakers said they’re against it because of slavery and segregation.
This bill made headlines in other states.