HB 1523: How did we get here?

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In April 2016, Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 1523, also known as the religious objections law. That set off a series of court battles, including a federal court decision striking down the law. However, on June 22, 2017, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law. Here is a look back at some of the key events that led up to Thursday’s ruling:

Gov. Bryant signs controversial religious freedom bill into law

New York’s Mississippi Picnic canceled as response to religious freedom law

NCAA may shut out Mississippi

ACLU suit equates “religious freedom” law to Jim Crow legislation

Mississippi’s ‘religious freedom’ law drafted out of state

Local schools speak up about HB1523, transgender issue

Same-sex marriage judge draws all three ‘religious freedom’ lawsuits

Attorney General’s office drowning in anti-1523 lawsuits

Witness: HB 1523 makes state unsafe for gays

Witness testifies HB 1523 is the Christian right’s challenge to gay freedoms

Federal judge blocks HB 1523

Emails show behind the scenes activity around HB 1523

Gov. Bryant appeals HB 1523 ruling alone, breaking with other defendants

Judge denies governor’s request for a stay on HB 1523

Sanderson Farms says HB 1523 “does nothing but hurt” economy

Bryant slams anti-HB 1523 arguments as ‘false, exaggerated’

Appellate judges in Texas could resurrect Mississippi’s ‘religious freedom’ law

Justices push past passionate arguments in HB 1523 hearing

‘Religious freedom’ law upheld by federal appeals court