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 Opponents plan a last-ditch attempt to stop the legislation on
Monday before it heads to Mississippi Republican Governor Phil
Bryant, whose spokesman said he would decide whether to sign or veto
it after a thorough review.
Bryant previously said he did not consider the bill discriminatory,
according to WLOX television in Mississippi.
The fight comes after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year
legalizing same-sex marriage. In a wave of state-level legislation,
social conservatives have pushed measures seen as harmful to
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender men and women.
A new law barring transgender people in North Carolina from choosing
bathrooms consistent with their gender identity has drawn wide
protest, while the governors of Georgia and Virginia vetoed similar
"religious liberty" bills this week.
 Representative Andy Gipson, a Republican sponsor of the Mississippi
measure, urged his colleagues on Friday not to be intimidated by
national media criticism. He highlighted a poll that showed wide
support for the measure in the state.
"It's time that we stand up and do the work of the people and
protect the freedoms that they enjoy," he said.
The bill includes provisions that go beyond same-sex marriages,
according to the Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights
advocacy group that has labeled the act appalling.
"We urge Governor Bryant to do the right thing - reject
discrimination, and veto this harmful measure when it reaches his
desk," said HRC President Chad Griffin earlier this week.
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The legislation would allow employers to cite religious conviction
in determining workplace policies on dress code, grooming and
bathroom and locker access.
Foster parents would be protected in placing lesbian, gay or
transgender children into controversial programs seeking to change
their sexual orientation, said Ben Needham, director of HRC's
"Project One America" to expand lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender rights in the U.S. South.
He said the legislation could also permit discrimination against
single mothers, for example, by religious-affiliated organizations
such as homeless shelters and food pantries.
Additionally, state court clerks could seek to be recused from
providing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Some of Mississippi's large employers, such as Nissan North America
and MGM Resorts International, have spoken out against legislation
that would discriminate.
(Reporting by Letitia Stein in Tampa, Fla.; Editing by Colleen
Jenkins and Matthew Lewis)
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