A new law dubbed the most anti-LGBT piece of legislation in the U.S. has been condemned by Nissan, IBM, and AT&T.
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant on Tuesday signed what's been dubbed the most anti-LGBT law in the U.S.
Protesters in Jackson on Monday.
Rogelio V. Solis / AP
House Bill 1523 protects individuals, religious organizations, and certain privately held businesses who take actions based on their religious objections to same-sex marriage — or any sex outside straight marriage. It also protects those who object to transgender people.
The bill says they can not face government retribution if acting based on "sincerely held" religious beliefs.
Prior to the bill's passing, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association released a statement outlining its "grave concerns" that "future economic development opportunities will be jeopardized" by the law.
The MMA cited recent controversies caused by an anti-LGBT law in North Carolina, where on Tuesday PayPal canceled plans for a major expansion because of the legislation.
As of Wednesday afternoon, no major company in Mississippi had announced any plans to limit business operations in the state because of the law, but several organizations told BuzzFeed News they condemned what they said was a discriminatory piece of legislation.
Nissan
The Nissan auto manufacturing facility in Canton, Mississippi.
Rogelio V. Solis / AP
Nissan has operated a car manufacturing plant in Canton, Mississippi, since May 2003, producing 450,000 vehicles a year and employing more than 3,500 people.
Prior to the governor signing the law, the automaker released the following statement:Nissan is committed to providing our employees with an inclusive workplace environment that supports diversity.
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.
When asked what effect, if any, the law would have on the company's future operations in the state, a Nissan spokesperson said the company had no further comment.