State chamber of commerce opposes religious objections bill

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi state chamber of commerce is opposing a religious objections bill heading to Gov. Phil Bryant to sign or veto.

Mississippi Economic Council President Blake Wilson sent a statement to the Associated Press saying House Bill 1523 conflicts with the organization's non-discrimination policy.

Businesses including Nissan North America, Toyota, Chevron, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Entergy haven't taken a clear stance on the bill but say they oppose any legislation that might violate their non-discrimination policies whether intentional or not.

Supporters of the bill say it protects religious groups, small businesses and government employees from being forced to violate their religious beliefs by having to serve same-sex couples.

The bill is similar to one Georgia's Republican governor vetoed this week after big corporations said it could lead to discrimination.

By Nassim Benchaabane. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 4/4/2016 @ 11:26 AM CDT