Democratic Lawmakers Call for Repeal of Anti-LGBT Bill

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — More than a dozen Democratic lawmakers are calling for repeal of an incoming Mississippi law that will let workers cite religious beliefs to deny services to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

A week after Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 1523, Democratic Rep. Jay Hughes of Oxford says Tuesday that he will try to undo the measure before it becomes law July 1.

Several states and cities have banned travel to Mississippi, saying the bill promotes discrimination.

Legislators are in the final two weeks of their session, and filing a new bill requires two-thirds approval of the House and Senate.

An effort would start in the House Rules Committee, and Republican Chairman Jason White says it’s “not very likely” his committee will consider Hughes’ request.