Phil Bryant

Mississippi’s Republican governor is asking a federal appeals court to uphold a state law letting merchants to deny services to same-sex couples.

“HB 1523’s absence does not impair the free exercise of religion,” the judge said.

The group also offered public relations advice and drafted the statement the Republican governor issued explaining why he signed the bill into law.

Mississippi’s Democratic attorney general said Wednesday that he won’t join the Republican governor in appealing a federal judge’s ruling.

Soon, people and businesses can deny services and employers can enforce strict dress codes and bathroom policies, claiming it’s their religious right.

All three lawsuits seek to block the bill from becoming law July 1. They also seek to have it declared unconstitutional.

While accepting an award from a hate group, Governor Bryant made sure to paint himself as the victim.

Republican Gov. Phil Bryant says the law will protect people’s religious belief that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

Eleven states are suing the administration over the directive to schools about transgender students. Mississippi won’t be one of them.

Attorney General Jim Hood, the only Democrat in statewide office in Mississippi, said he won’t represent Governor Bryant.