Statement by the Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage,
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi,
While Traveling on a Mission in Africa
HB 1523 Press Release 040516
April 05, 2016
By The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage
Governor Phil Bryant’s approval of House Bill 1523 is deeply disappointing. An anxious majority of both the State House and Senate, with the Governor’s support, have effectively created an additional class of citizens in Mississippi.
I applaud the people of Mississippi who came together to object to this needless piece of legislation. I applaud and thank the representatives of the business community who made their opposition known and will continue to serve all God’s people. I thank all those in government who chose to step up and courageously serve and represent all the people of Mississippi.
Ungrounded fear is never a solid foundation for legislation. That seems to be the case here. Our beloved state has struggled to move beyond its troubling past but, unfortunately, this legislation has placed Mississippi back in the crosshairs of critical public opinion.
A voice of reason on the floor of the State Senate noted last week that the provisions of this law do not allow any type of action – in the choices of businesses or other institutions – which is not already permissible under the law. That may be true, but the tragic component of this law is that the Legislature and Governor have codified discrimination.
The State of Mississippi will likely find itself in federal courts once again, spending large sums of funds which could have been spent on building the future. Those efforts to defend a culture of fear will likely be futile.
The gracious arms of our Lord are open to all who seek him. As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement, we continue to open our arms to our brothers and sisters who are adversely affected by this bill. Likewise, our arms are open to those who supported this legislation. New life may be found when we cast out our fear and ground our actions in the love of Christ.