Video: Residents React to Freedom Of Religion Act

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — A federal judge strikes down a law presented by state lawmakers.

“We in the state of Mississippi can no discriminate against anyone,” said Rep. Carl Mickens.

It’s the reaction of many, after a U.S. district court judge stopped enforcement of House Bill 1523, or the Religious Freedom Act.

This spring the state’s legislature passed this bill and many agree that it will is what’s best for not only the state but the country as a whole.

“I feel like we should stand for our religion and our rights because we don’t want that to be taken away,” said resident Quillis Dolan. “We’ve had so many things taken away from us and this country was found on our christian rights and our freedom of religion.”

The Religious Freedom Act is designed to protect three religious beliefs; that marriage is only between a man and women, that sex should only take place in such marriage and that a person’s gender is determined at birth and cannot be altered.

Opponents say it gives religious organizations, businesses and companies the ability to deny service to the LGBT community.

“I mean it’s their business if they want to deny. If they don’t want to participate in something that goes against their religion the shouldn’t have to,” said resident Colby Nutt.

Late Thursday night right before the law was to take effect, U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves issued an injunction blocking the bill, and Mickens says it may be for the best.

“I think he made a good decision to do that because if we filed that bill and it passed I don’t think we carefully looked into all the back lash that might would come,” Mickens said.

Others echoed Mickens sentiments.

“I feel the lesbian gay bisexual transgender community…they should have rights just like you and I because they pay taxes, they work, they live just like you and I live, so they should have the right to live in freedom,” said resident Gloria Jenkins.