Mississippi passes controversial 'religious freedom' bill

 

Image caption Protesters gathered outside the state capital the day before Mr Bryant signed it into law

The governor

of Mississippi has signed a controversial bill that allows businesses to refuse service to gay couples based on religious beliefs.

Governor Phil Bryant signed HB1523 into law on Tuesday amid opposition from equal rights groups and businesses.
He said the bill "protects sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions".
Protesters say the bill would allow for lawful discrimination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
The bill comes at a time when numerous US states are passing or considering similar laws.
North Carolina recently passed a bill that revokes protections for LGBT people and requires transgender individuals to use restrooms based on their biological gender identity.
The governor of Georgia rejected a similar bill after pressure from major companies that do business in the state.
States have been drawing up religious freedom laws, largely under pressure from religious groups, in response to the US Supreme Court ruling last summer legalising gay marriage.
Mr Bryant said the bill does not limit rights of citizens under the US Constitution and was designed to "prevent government interference in the lives of the people".