Actress from Mississippi state, Sela Ward, expressed her sadness and disappointment over the passage of HB 1523 or the religious freedom law that its opponents argue legalizes discrimination against LGBT community.
Ward is a Meridian native and is attending a a film convention at Las Vegas. Although not in her home state, she sent a statement of her reaction to the Clarion Ledger. According to Wards statement, "In recent days I have been asked about my religious objection law that was recently passed in Mississippi, my beloved home state. I have to say that I am deeply dismayed that bias and archaic points-of-view are still contaminating the thinking of our lawmakers. Our history is replete with unfortunate incidents of discrimination and injustice that we have worked extremely hard to transcend. Yes, we are confronting new social and emotional challenges, but the passing of this law sadly sets us back."
The HB 1523 or religious freedom law states that people can deny services or goods for the "celebration of any marriage, based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction." It will include pre-ceremony celebrations, post-wedding celebrations, anniversay celebrations and other related celebrations, as per the argument of the bill's opponent.
In an earlier article released by Clarion Ledger, Governor Phil Bryant said that he signed the bill to protect the rights of people with "deeply held religious beliefs."
Bryant defended the bill when he appeared on a radio talk show. He emphasized that the bill will prevent the government from interfering with people of faith who are exercising their religious beliefs in matters of marriage. The bill would also not allow discrimination of anyone. "The bill does not create action against any class or group of people. It doesn't create a new action or a new defense of an action against those people," Bryant said.
According to USA Today, Ward is not the only celebrity who is vocal with her disappointment on the governor's move. Actress Sharon Stone said that she will not go to the state to shoot a movie while singer Bryan Adams cancelled his concert in the state because of the new law.
Aside from the celebrities, different manufacturers expressed side about the HB 1523. A representative from Nissan said in a statement, "It is Nissan's policy to prohibit discrimination of any type, and we oppose any legislation that would allow discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals."
Ward is a well-known actress with an Emmy and Golden Globe award. She is famous for her television show "Sisters," "Once and Again" and "CSI: NY."
