The Zubik Supplemental Briefs: The Objectors Push for Second-Class Coverage, With a Smile

AU Senior Litigation Counsel Greg Lipper analyzes the supplemental briefs for Zubik v. Burwell.

Ninety-Five Mississippi Writers Sign Letter Opposing HB 1523

On Monday, 95 Mississippi writers co-signed a letter in response to HB 1523, a bill signed into law last week which could allow a range of individuals, corporations, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations—including those that receive taxpayer funding to perform social services—to refuse to provide goods and services to same sex couples, single mothers, divorcees, and anyone who has had sex outside of marriage and their families.

Last Week in Review: April 4–8

Here is some of the big state legislative news that occurred last week and what we expect to see moving this week.

 

Musician Bryan Adams Cancels Mississippi Show Over Anti-LGBT Bill

In a decision that probably cuts like a knife to rock fans in Mississippi, Canadian musician Bryan Adams has cancelled his April 14 show in Biloxi

Mississippi's "Religious Freedom" Bill Under Federal Review

According to the Washington Blade, three federal agencies are reviewing HB 1523, Mississippi's overly broad so-called religious freedom bill signed into law by Governor Phil Bryant this week. Spokespersons for Departments of Housing & Urban Development, Health & Human Services, and Transportation have all confirmed that their agencies are now taking a look at the law.

Businesses A Powerful Force In The Fight Against "Religious Freedom" Bills

This week, businesses across the country are taking a stand against discrimination.

Jackson City Council Passes Resolution Condemning HB 1523

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB 1523 into law Tuesday morning; by the evening, the city council of the state capital had approved a resolution condemning it.

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.

Miss. So-Called ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Legalizes Discrimination, Says Americans United

Law Could Be Used To Harm LGBT Persons, Church-State Watchdog Group Says

Mississippi Governor Signs Overly Broad "Religious Liberty" Bill Into Law

Governor Phil Bryant has signed HB 1532, a bill that could allow a range of individuals; corporations; healthcare providers; and nonprofit organizations—including those that receive taxpayer funding to perform social services—to refuse to provide goods and services to same sex couples; single mothers; divorcees; and anyone who has had sex outside of marriage and their families, into law.

Lousy Landlord: RV Park Owner Allegedly Booted Couple Because His Church Opposes Interracial Marriage

In a move that seems straight out of the 1960s, a Mississippi landlord has asked a husband and wife to leave his recreational vehicle (RV) park for no reason other than the fact that they are an interracial couple. And like so many attempts to discriminate in 2016, the owner of the park is relying on an old tactic, reportedly booting the two because his church opposes such marriages.

First Openly Gay NFL Player Michael Sam Opposes Missouri's SJR 39

Former University of Missouri football star and the NFL's first openly gay player Michael Sam has written an op-ed in the Columbia Daily Tribune opposing SJR 39, Missouri's constitutional amendment bill that would sanction discrimination. 

Nebraska Foster Care Bill That Would Allow For Discrimination Effectively Dead

Nebraska's LB 975, a bill that would have allowed adoption and foster care agencies in the state, including taxpayer-funded agencies, to refuse to work with families, youth in care, or prospective parents based on the agency’s sincerely held religious beliefs, is effectively dead for this session.

Last Week in Review: March 28 – April 1

Here is some of the big state legislative news that occurred last week and what we expect to see moving this week.

St Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial Board Against Missouri Discrimination Bill

The Editorial Board of the St Louis Post-Dispatch has come out against SJR 39,  a bill that would enshrine discrimination based on sincerely held religious beliefs in the Missouri constitution. In an editorial published this weekend, the paper urges lawmakers to let the bill die in the legislature.

Mississippi's "Religious Liberty" Bill Passes House, But Is Delayed On Its Way To The Governor

Mississippi's House voted to fast-track HB 1523, one of the most dangerous "religious liberty" bills in the country, to the governor's desk today, but a motion to reconsider may delay its progress.