MS Gov To Sign "Religious Freedom" Bill

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant declared today that he will sign the so-called "religious freedom bill" that was hurriedly approved by both state chambers in late sessions yesterday.

Critics say the measure legalizes discrimination, giving businesses the right to refuse service based on religious objections. They warned scenarios such as the Colorado cake-shop owner who refused to bake for a gay wedding last year could become commonplace in Mississippi. The American Civil Liberties Union accused lawmakers of ignoring the public outcry against such measures. It noted legislators in other states, including Georgia, Idaho, Maine and Ohio, had rejected similar measures and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer vetoed her state's version of the bill in February. "We remain hopeful that courts throughout the state will reject any attempts to use religion to justify discrimination," said Jennifer Riley-Collins, executive director of the ACLU of Mississippi. "Nobody should be refused service because of who they are."

Thus far LGBT and progressive groups have been relatively muted in their responses to the bill compared to their (strangely slow) reactions to the passage of a similar and (ultimately vetoed bill) in Arizona. The groups that have issued objections to the Mississippi bill have noted that the approved version has been stricken of some of the most objectionable portions of the version first introduced. All of those who have responded, however, urged Bryant not to sign. The law is scheduled to go into effect on July 1st and will also add the words "In God We Trust" to the Mississippi state seal.

UPDATE: The Task Force has responded to Bryant's decision.

"We are very disappointed that Mississippi lawmakers have passed this 'license to discriminate' legislation and with Governor Bryant's decision to sign this bill. This new law both cynically uses religion as a smokescreen to justify discrimination and insults people of faith who feel that discrimination is morally wrong. When he signs this bill, businesses in the state of Mississippi could turn away people who are (or are thought to be) lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Most Americans are against discrimination and will be appalled by this new law. The governor decision's sends a clear and extreme message to the country and the world that LGBT people and our straight allies are not welcome in Mississippi."

Queer Nation To Protest Moscow Leaders

The Olympic Torch Is On The Move

One wonders if the Olympic torch relay might see some protests this time around. It sure seems like a good opportunity. ABC News reports on today's launch:

Using the sun's rays, the Olympic flame lighting for the Winter Games in Sochi went off without a hitch in southern Greece Sunday, ahead of its journey across Russia's nine time zones and even a trip to space before the Feb. 7-23 games. The ceremony was held with actresses dressed as ancient priestesses at the birthplace of the Greek games held in antiquity, with the flame lighting using a parabolic mirror. Actress Ino Menegaki, in the role of high priestess, called out to the ancient god of the sun, Apollo, before the flame was lit and passed to 18-year-old Greek alpine skier Ioannis Antoniou. NHL star Alex Ovechkin will be the first Russian involved in the torch relay. Newly elected International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was present at the ceremony.

Russia Today has the route.

The British Press Reacts

Westboro, Writ Large

Frothy Mix has resigned from the campaign. It was often repulsive, but it was also often very satisfying. America finally got to see the deranged evil fascist wingnuts that gay people have to deal with every day. It may sound bizarre, but ultimately the Santorum campaign may have been good for gay people. Westboro, writ large.