Opinion: LGBTQ discrimination law in Mississippi

In the 1960’s during the sexual revolution, LGBT rights were lavishly fought to end discrimination for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender. Yet again, LGBT oppression is seen in America.

Mississippi’s governor, Phil Bryant, passed a law that allows businesses to refuse service to anyone part of the LGBT community based on religious objections. Based on some religious views and moral convictions, people have the right to refuse any form of service such as job employment or any form of service because of the belief that marriage is only between a man and a woman and that sexual relations should only occur in straight marriages. They also believe that a person’s gender is “determined by anatomy and genetics at time of birth” which is what leads businesses to determine who is allowed to access bathrooms, dressing rooms, and locker rooms.

“What people don’t realize is that it is much more than what it seems. A LGBT member could be denied the right to print at a library simply because of their orientation or to buy a book at a bookstore or simply buy their groceries. It is disgusting that a law like that can even be legal. If America can allow this in one state imagine what can become of the whole nation in matter of time,” said Jason Franco, a senior in Tech & Media magnet. “Of course money is the reason behind this horrible, absurd inequality.”

According to the New York Times, anti-discrimination protections have been costing states up to $60 million, like it did in Indiana a year ago, so the reason for the Mississippi law initiates from the fear of losing money.

“It’s sad that money is a priority in our country rather than the protection of the rights of a human being,” said Diana Herrera, a senior in Tech & Media magnet.

In this case, religion is being preferred over human rights.

Governor Phil Bryant said during a talk show on April 5,the day he signed the law, “This does not create any action against any class or group of people. All this bill does is stop the government from interfering with people of faith who are exercising their religious beliefs.”

“The governor is a hypocrite. He tries to play the role of innocent as if he isn’t allowing discrimination to take place in his state,” said Guillermo Morales, a senior in the Visual & Performing Arts small school. “This worries me because if this is allowed in one state, the legal discrimination could easily spread.”