Phil Bryant, The governor of Mississippi, made a statement about signing this bill. According to him, this act will only enhance the existing religious freedom. But, the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi is worrying that gender minorities would be banned from essential services and care.
The Guardian: LGBT couples can be refused service under new Mississippi law
In section 2, it is clearly described that marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman as a religious belief to be protected by this law. It may authorize the traditional religious thoughts, against newly developed diversity such as same-sex marriage.
House Bill 1523
Mississippi state is often recognized as a region in which discrimination is still alive in the US. "Mississippi Burning" is a film describing real murder cases of three civil rights workers. In "The Help" also issues discrimination against black people in Mississippi. These films shed the light to the 1960s when the civil right movement was ignited. However, it seems that conflict between citizens has not been resolved within these some decades.
Wikipedia: Mississippi Burning
Wikipedia: The Help (film)
In the US, religion is strongly related to some kind of discrimination. It is the same in Europe. Religion is not only the source of living power but also a dangerous tool for injuring outsiders.
In contrast, many Japanese have no particular faith. Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims can stay in Japan without being discriminated. However, some Japanese are quite exclusive, disliking outsiders and minorities. It is a mystery. In my opinion, some beliefs shared by citizens can work as if it is a religious discipline. And there are such thoughts binding our behavior in Japan.
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