Jump to content

LGBTQ rights in Mississippi

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from LGBT rights in Mississippi)

LGBTQ rights in Mississippi
Mississippi (USA)
Legal statusLegal since 2003
(Lawrence v. Texas)
Gender identityAltering sex on identity documents does not require sex reassignment surgery
Discrimination protectionsEmployment protections for sexual orientation and gender identity (Bostock v. Clayton County)
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsSame-sex marriage since 2015
AdoptionJoint and stepchild adoption legal

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Mississippi face legal challenges and discrimination not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. LGBTQ rights in Mississippi are limited in comparison to other states. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Mississippi as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas. Same-sex marriage has been recognized since June 2015 in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. State statutes do not address discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal under federal law. The state capital Jackson and a number of other cities provide protections in housing and public accommodations as well.

A Deep Southern Bible Belt state, Mississippi is known for being among the most socially conservative states in the country. A 2017 opinion poll showed that Mississippi, alongside Alabama, was one of only two states in the country where opposition to same-sex marriage outnumbered support. Additionally, the state has passed various religious freedom laws designed to protect religious beliefs, though these laws have been criticized for "giving religious people a license to discriminate" against LGBTQ people and have provoked both domestic and international backlash. Mississippi was the last state to allow same-sex couples to adopt after a federal judge ruled in May 2016 that the adoption ban unconstitutional. Recent opinion polls have reported a trend in support for some LGBTQ rights, with a majority of Mississippi residents now favoring an anti-discrimination law covering sexual orientation and gender identity.[1]

Legality of same-sex sexual activity

[edit]

Mississippi enacted its first sodomy-related statute in 1839, defining the offense under common law as a "crime against nature."[2] The law applied to both homosexual and heterosexual anal and oral sex, regardless of consent. The law was punishable by up to ten years imprisonment.[3] Over time, the statute evolved in both language and interpretation.

In State v. Hill (1937), the Supreme Court of Mississippi ruled that cunnilingus was not a "crime against nature" and was therefore not criminalized under existing law.[4] However, in 1942, the Mississippi Legislature authorized a recodification of state law. The Attorney General changed the statute's heading from "crime against nature" to "unnatural intercourse," which broadened its interpretation. This change allowed the state to prosecute fellatio as a criminal act under the revised statute, a position upheld in the 1955 case State v. Davis.[2]

The sodomy law remained in effect throughout the 20th century and was upheld as constitutional twice by the Mississippi Supreme Court; first in State v. Mays (1976) and again in Miller v. State (1994).[5][6] In 1995, the state passed a sex offender registration law requiring those convicted under the sodomy statute to register with local law enforcement.[7] An earlier 1987 law permitted employers to request information from the State Attorney General regarding whether a potential hire had committed a sex offense―including consensual same-sex acts prosecuted under the sodomy statute.[2][8]

Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Mississippi since 2003, following the United States Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which invalidated all remaining sodomy laws nationwide.[9] Despite this ruling, Mississippi's sodomy statute remains on the books, though it is currently unenforceable.[10] However, individuals convicted under Mississippi’s sodomy law prior to the Lawrence decision are still required to register as sex offenders. In 2016, five Mississippi residents filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that being listed on the sex offender registry for consensual, constitutionally protected conduct violated their rights and severely limited their ability to find employment and housing.[11] In 2023, it was reported that Mississippi taxpayers had incurred $400,000 in legal fees stemming from decades of litigation related to the state's sodomy law.[12]

Recognition of same-sex relationships

[edit]
Main article: Same-sex marriage in Mississippi

Mississippi banned same-sex marriage through multiple measures in the late 1990s and early 2000s. On August 24, 1996, Governor Kirk Fordice issued an executive order defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman.[13] This was followed by a statutory ban that took effect on February 12, 1997.[14] In 2004, 86.01% of Mississippi voters approved Constitutional Amendment 1, which amended the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage and the recognition of any same-sex unions.[15][16]

On November 25, 2014, District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves ruled Mississippi's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional in the case Campaign for Southern Equality v. Bryant.[17] However, he issued a two-week stay on the ruling to allow the state to appeal.[18] The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals extended the stay on December 4, pending a final decision.[19]

It has become clear to the court that people marry for a number of reasons: marriage is a profound source of emotional support; marriage is a private and public expression of commitment; some marry in exercise of their religious beliefs; some do so because it opens the door to economic and government benefits; there are those who marry to present a certain status or image; and others do it for the noble purpose of legitimizing their children. In reviewing the arguments of the parties and conducting its own research, the court determined that an objective person must answer affirmatively to the following questions:

  • Can gay and lesbian citizens love?
  • Can gay and lesbian citizens have long-lasting and committed relationships?
  • Can gay and lesbian citizens love and care for children?
  • Can gay and lesbian citizens provide what is best for their children?
  • Can gay and lesbian citizens help make their children good and productive citizens?
  • Without the right to marry, are gay and lesbian citizens subjected to humiliation and indignity?
  • Without the right to marry, are gay and lesbian citizens subjected to state-sanctioned prejudice?

Answering "Yes” to each of these questions leads the court to the inescapable conclusion that same-sex couples should be allowed to share in the benefits, and burdens, for better or for worse, of marriage.

— Carlton W. Reeves[20]

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Mississippi's response was initially hesitant.[21] Governor Phil Bryant opposed the ruling and some county clerks delayed issuing licenses to same-sex couples.[22][23] On June 29, Attorney General Jim Hood informed the state's circuit clerks that they were required to comply with the Supreme Court ruling and that refusal to issue marriage licenses could result in lawsuits.[24]

Since Obergefell, same-sex couples in Mississippi have had full access to marriage rights. However, the state’s statutory and constitutional bans remain part of its legal code and have not been repealed.[25]

Adoption and parenting

[edit]
See also: Senate Bill 3074 (Mississippi Legislature, 2000 Regular Session)

Mississippi has always permitted adoption by an unmarried adult, regardless of sexual orientation. However, in 2000, the state enacted a law banning adoption and fostering by same-sex couples.[26]

By 2015, Mississippi was the only U.S. state still enforcing such a ban.[27][28] In February 2013, former Governor Ronnie Musgrove, who had signed the law in 2000, publicly reversed his position, stating the ban "made it harder for an untold number of children to grow up in happy, healthy homes in Mississippi–and that breaks my heart."[29]

On August 12, 2015, the Campaign for Southern Equality, the Family Equality Council, and four Mississippi same-sex couples filed a federal lawsuit challenging the ban.[30] Their complaint noted that, as of 2014, 29% of Mississippi households headed by a same-sex-couple included children under the age of 18―the highest percentage in any U.S. state.[28]

On March 31, 2016, U.S. District Judge Daniel Porter Jordan III issued a preliminary injunction striking down Mississippi's ban on adoption rights for same-sex couples, declaring it unconstitutional.[31] A spokeswoman for the Attorney General stated, "We respect the district court's analysis of the law and will consult with the Department of Human Services on what options to take going forward." No appeal was filed, and the ruling became final on May 2, 2016, making Mississippi the final state in the United States to allow same-sex couples to adopt.[32][33][34] One of the plaintiffs, Susan Hrostowski, said of the decision: "I've been waiting 16 years to be able to adopt my son, so I'm overjoyed about that."[35][36]

Lesbian couples have access to in vitro fertilization. State law recognizes the non-genetic, non-gestational mother as a legal parent to a child born via donor insemination, but only if the parents are married.[37] Surrogacy is neither expressly prohibited nor expressly permitted but courts are generally favorable to the practice. Judges may require that the couple be married and that at least one partner is genetically related to the child. Same-sex couples are treated the same as opposite-sex couples in both gestational and traditional surrogacy arrangements.[38]

Discrimination protections

[edit]
Map of Mississippi cities that had sexual orientation and/or gender identity anti–employment discrimination ordinances prior to Bostock
  Sexual orientation and gender identity with anti–employment discrimination ordinance
  Sexual orientation and gender identity solely in public employment
  Does not protect sexual orientation and gender identity in employment

Mississippi state law does not prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in employment, housing, or public accommodations.[39]

Some municipalities have enacted their own protections. The state capital, Jackson, and the cities of Clarksdale,[40] Holly Springs,[41] and Magnolia have ordinances banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public and private employment, housing and public accommodations.[42][43] In addition, Hattiesburg, Oxford, and Starkville extend similar protections to city employees only.[44][45][46]

Bostock v. Clayton County

[edit]
Main article: Bostock v. Clayton County

On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County, consolidated with Altitude Express, Inc. v. Zarda, and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity constitutes discrimination based on sex under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.[47][48][49]

Religious freedom

[edit]

Mississippi has several laws expanding religious exemptions, some of which have been criticized for enabling discrimination against LGBTQ people.[50]

  • Mississippi Student Religious Liberties Act of 2013 ― Prohibits public schools from reprimanding students for their religious views.[51]
  • Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act ― Shields individuals from legal repercussions for expressing moral or religious objections, including to the “lifestyle” or “actions” of LGBTQ people.[52]
  • Religious Liberty Accommodations Act ― Protects individuals, religious organizations, and some businesses that act on the belief that (1) marriage is between one man and one woman, (2) sexual relations should be confined to such a marriage, and (3) gender is determined at birth based on anatomy and genetics.[53] Following its passage, several states and cities banned official travel to Mississippi in protest.[54][55] The law was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2016, but U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves issued a preliminary injunction on June 30 blocking its enforcement.[56] On June 23, 2017, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the injunction, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing, and the law went into effect.[57]

Local non-discrimination resolutions

[edit]

Several Mississippi cities have passed non-binding resolutions expressing support for the LGBT community:

Starkville passed a similar resolution in January 2014, but the City Council voted 5–2 to repeal it on January 6, 2015.[68][69] Mayor Parker Wiseman vetoed the repeal two days later,[70] but on January 21, the council overrode his veto by a 5–2 vote.[71]

Transgender rights

[edit]
See also: Transgender rights in the United States

Healthcare

[edit]

On February 28, 2023, Governor Tate Reeves signed the "Regulate Experiment Adolescent Procedures" (REAP) Act, which bans gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 18.[72] Both chambers of the Mississippi Legislature had passed the bill earlier that month.[73] Its authors call it the “Regulate Experiment Adolescent Procedures" (REAP) Act.[74] Mississippi became the third state to enact such a ban in 2023, following Utah and South Dakota.[75]

Identity documents

[edit]

Transgender people in Mississippi can generally change the gender marker on their identity documents.[76]

In April 2025, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that a transgender teenager could not legally change his name until he turned 21, citing a "lack of maturity", despite the support of both parents. The court misgendered the teen throughout the ruling. While the legal age of majority in Mississippi is 21, minors are allowed to change their name in other circumstances if they have parental consent.[77]

The Real You Act of 2022

[edit]

On January 17, 2022, State Senator Chad McMahan introduced The Real You Act, which sought impose restrictions on name and gender changes. If the bill would have:

  • Prohibited incarcerated individuals convicted of a state or federal crime from petitioning for a name change unless requested by the district attorney, county sheriff, or the state Department of Corrections commissioner or chaplain.
  • Required minors to obtain three written letters—from a physician, psychiatrist, and chancery clerk—before petitioning for a gender change.[78]

The bill died in committee in February 2022,[78] though a separate measure prohibiting inmate name changes was enacted.[79]

Birth certificate

[edit]

The Mississippi Vital Records office will issue an amended birth certificate with a new name and gender marker upon receipt of a certified court order, a medical statement attesting to gender reassignment, and the required fee. The amended certificate lists both the updated and original information.[80]

Driver's license

[edit]

Since November 1, 2021, applicants wishing to update the gender marker on a driver’s license must submit a “Gender Designation Form” signed by a licensed professional such as a physician or psychotherapist. Previously, the Department of Public Safety required a court order or an amended birth certificate.[80][81][82]

Sports ban

[edit]

In 2021, the Mississippi Legislature passed SB 2536 banning transgender athletes from participating in sports teams or Olympic events that correspond with their gender identity. The Senate approved the bill 34–9 and the House 81–28. Under the law, any athlete whose sex is disputed must provide a physician’s statement verifying their genitalia, DNA, and hormone levels.[83][84][85][86][87][88] Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill on March 11, 2021, with it taking effect on July 1.[89][90][91]

Academia

[edit]

In March 2025, Mississippi officials ordered the removal of 377 academic research papers on gender studies from a state database. Another database containing research on race relations was also purged.[92]

College bathrooms and dorms

[edit]

On May 13, 2024, Governor Tate Reeves signed a law requiring individuals in public schools to use bathrooms consistent with the sex "determined solely by birth." The Mississippi Legislature had passed the bill earlier in May, and it took effect immediately.[93][94][95]

Hate crime law

[edit]

State law does not address hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation.[96] However, federal law has covered both categories since 2009, when the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama.[97] Hate crimes committed on the basis of the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity can thus be prosecuted in federal court.[98]

Freedom of expression

[edit]

In 2018, the city of Starkville banned an LGBT pride parade from taking place. Following backlash and legal action, the city allowed the event to happen. It was held on March 24, 2018 and was the largest parade in the city's history, with about 3,000 people in attendance.[99]

Summary table

[edit]
Same-sex sexual activity legal Yes (Since 2003 under Lawrence v. Texas)
Equal age of consent Yes
Anti-discrimination laws in employment Yes (Since 2020 under Bostock v. Clayton County)
Anti-discrimination laws in housing and public accommodations X/Yes (In some cities)
Same-sex marriages Yes (Since 2015 under Obergefell v. Hodges)
Stepchild and joint adoption by same-sex couples Yes (Since 2016)
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve openly in the military Yes (Since 2011)
Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military X (Banned since 2025)[100][101][102]
Intersex people allowed to serve openly in the military X (Current DoD policy bans "hermaphrodites" from serving or enlisting in the military)[103]
Right to change legal gender Yes
Access to IVF for lesbian couples Yes
Gay and trans panic defense banned X
Conversion therapy banned on minors X
Third gender option X
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples Yes
MSMs allowed to donate blood Yes/No (Since 2020; 3-month deferral period)[104]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "PRRI – American Values Atlas". ava.prri.org. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "The History of Sodomy Laws in the United States - Mississippi". www.glapn.org. Archived from the original on January 18, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  3. ^ "Mississippi Prohibited Consensual Sexual Activity Laws". Findlaw. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  4. ^ "State v. Hill". vLex. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  5. ^ "State v. Mays". Justia Law. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  6. ^ "Miller v. State". Justia Law. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  7. ^ "REGISTRATION OF SEX OFFENDERS". state.sor.dps.ms.gov. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  8. ^ Nelson, Richard. "State Labour Laws" (PDF). Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  9. ^ "Mississippi Sodomy Law". Hrc.org. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
  10. ^ "Sodomy Laws by State 2025". World Population Review. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  11. ^ Garza, Erik De La. "Mississippi Sued Over Sodomy Law Enforcement". www.courthousenews.com. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  12. ^ "Mississippi to pay more than $400K in attorneys' fees over unconstitutional sodomy law". July 28, 2023.
  13. ^ "Mississippi Governor Bans Same-Sex Marriage". New York Times. August 24, 1996. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  14. ^ "SB2053 - History of Actions/Background". billstatus.ls.state.ms.us. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  15. ^ "Mississippi Amendment 1, Definition of Marriage Amendment (2004)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  16. ^ Roberts, Joel (November 2, 2004). "11 States Ban Same-Sex Marriage". CBS News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 29, 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  17. ^ Joughin, Charles (November 25, 2014). "Federal Judge Strikes Down Mississippi Marriage Ban". HRC. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  18. ^ Geidner, Chris (November 25, 2014). "Mississippi's Same-Sex Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional, Federal Judge Rules". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on November 26, 2014. Retrieved November 25, 2014.
  19. ^ "Order and Opinion: Stay pending appeal granted". Scribd.com. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Archived from the original on December 7, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
  20. ^ "Campaign for Southern Equality v. Bryant". Court Listener. Nov. 25, 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2025. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ Faber, Audrey Ann. "State executive responses to Obergefell v. Hodges". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  22. ^ Warbelow, Sarah. "Letter to Phil Bryant" (PDF). Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  23. ^ Staff, WDAM (June 26, 2015). "Governor Bryant issues statement on same-sex marriage decision". WDAM. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  24. ^ Royals, Kate (June 29, 2015). "AG gives clerks OK for same-sex marriage licenses". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  25. ^ "Underneath Obergefell: A National Patchwork of Marriage Laws" (PDF). Movement Advancement Project. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  26. ^ "SB3074 (As Sent to Governor) - 2000 Regular Session". billstatus.ls.state.ms.us. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  27. ^ "Mississippi Adoption Law". Human Rights Campaign. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  28. ^ a b Lewin, Tamar (August 12, 2015). "Mississippi Ban on Adoptions by Same-Sex Couples Is Challenged". New York Times. Archived from the original on August 12, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  29. ^ Musgrove, Ronnie (March 20, 2013). "Portman's Conversion Should Be a Lesson". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on August 12, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  30. ^ "Campaign for Southern Equality v. Bryant II (Adoption)". Campaign for Southern Equality. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  31. ^ Stern, Mark Joseph (April 1, 2016). "Judge Invalidates Mississippi's Same-Sex Adoption Ban, the Last of Its Kind in America". Slate. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  32. ^ "Judge blocks Mississippi ban on adoption by same-sex couples". The Boston Globe. March 31, 2016. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  33. ^ "Judge Invalidates Mississippi's Same-Sex Adoption Ban, the Last of Its Kind in America". Slate. March 31, 2016. Archived from the original on July 17, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  34. ^ "Federal judge tosses same-sex adoption ban". Mississippi Today. March 31, 2016. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  35. ^ Holden, Dominic (May 2, 2016). "Mississippi's Gay Adoption Ban Dead After State Fails To Appeal Ruling". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  36. ^ Prakash, Nidhi (May 3, 2016). "Same-sex adoption is finally legal in all 50 states". Fusion. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  37. ^ "Mississippi's equality profile". Movement Advancement Project. Archived from the original on January 18, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  38. ^ "What You Need to Know About Surrogacy in Mississippi". American Surrogacy.
  39. ^ "Mississippi Non-Discrimination Law". Human Rights Campaign. May 15, 2011. Archived from the original on April 25, 2012.
  40. ^ Kenneth Johnson (August 20, 2018). "Clarksdale is third Mississippi city to pass LGBTQ-Inclusive Ordinance". Georgia Voice. Archived from the original on August 25, 2018. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  41. ^ "Mississippi's Equality Profile". Movement Advancement Project. Archived from the original on January 18, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  42. ^ Wolfe, Anna (June 15, 2016). "Jackson council adds LGBT protections to law". The Clarion-Ledger. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  43. ^ "Second Mississippi city passes major LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance". Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  44. ^ "HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI 2018 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD" (PDF).
  45. ^ "OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI 2018 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD" (PDF).
  46. ^ "STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI 2018 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD" (PDF).
  47. ^ Biskupic, Joan (June 16, 2020). "Two conservative justices joined decision expanding LGBTQ rights". CNN. Archived from the original on June 19, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  48. ^ "US Supreme Court backs protection for LGBT workers". BBC News. June 15, 2020. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  49. ^ Liptak, Adam (June 15, 2020). "Civil Rights Law Protects Gay and Transgender Workers, Supreme Court Rules". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  50. ^ "The Nation's Worst Anti-LGBTQ State Law Goes Into Effect in…". HRC. October 3, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  51. ^ Rice, Aaron (May 4, 2021). "Looking Back: Ten Years of Protecting Religious Liberty in Mississippi". MS Policy. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  52. ^ Domonoske, Camila (April 5, 2016). "Mississippi Governor Signs 'Religious Freedom' Bill Into Law". NPR. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  53. ^ "H.B. 1523" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  54. ^ "California will no longer pay for state workers to travel to anti-LGBT states". ThinkProgress. September 28, 2016. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  55. ^ Harrie, Dan (April 12, 2016). "Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski bans city travel to states that have passed anti-LGBT laws". The Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on March 22, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  56. ^ Judge blocks HB 1523 from starting July 1 Archived July 2, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Cassie Archebelle, WADM, July 1, 2016
  57. ^ Mitchell, Jerry; Pender, Geoff. "Controversial HB 1523 now Mississippi's law of land". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  58. ^ "Hattiesburg follows Starkville in passing diversity resolution". Yall Politics. February 19, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  59. ^ Lowrey, Erin (March 4, 2014). "Oxford, MS unanimously passes Pro-LGBT resolution - WDAM.COM - TV 7 - News, Weather and Sports". Wdam.Com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  60. ^ "Magnolia, MS Passes Pro-LGBT Resolution | Human Rights Campaign". Hrc.org. April 22, 2014. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  61. ^ "Fifth Mississippi City Council Passes Pro-LGBT Resolution | Human Rights Campaign". Hrc.org. April 30, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  62. ^ Showers, Al. "Bay St. Louis passes measure supporting LGBT community". WJHL.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  63. ^ Waveland joins other Miss. cities with LGBT resolution
  64. ^ Ferretti, Haley (June 3, 2014). "Jackson Passes Pro-LGBT Resolution | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS". Jackson Free Press. Archived from the original on June 9, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  65. ^ McAdams, Carolyn (April 26, 2016). "City Connections for April 26, 2016". City of Greenwood - Mayor's Office.
  66. ^ City of Greenwood - Mayor's Office. "5(b)1.pdf". www.greenwoodms.com. Archived from the original on December 28, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  67. ^ "Rosedale, Mississippi City Council Passes LGBTQ-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Ordinance". Human Rights Campaign. June 21, 2021. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  68. ^ Johnson, Renee (January 22, 2014). "Starkville passes equality resolution supporting LGBT residents, others". www.wlox.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  69. ^ "Mississippi town rescinds health coverage for unmarried domestic partners". www.lgbtqnation.com. Associated Press. January 8, 2015. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  70. ^ "Starkville mayor vetoes board's repeal of equality resolution". Archived from the original on January 16, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  71. ^ "Starkville, Mississippi Officials Override Mayor's Veto, Repeal Historic Gay-Rights Initiatives". January 21, 2015. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  72. ^ Yurcaba, Jo (February 28, 2023). "Mississippi governor signs bill banning transgender health care for minors". NBC News. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  73. ^ Wagster Pettus, Emily (February 21, 2023). "Mississippi Senate passes limit on gender-affirming health care". PBS NewsHour. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  74. ^ Mitchell, Justin (February 24, 2023). "What is the REAP Act? New bill targets gender affirming care for trans kids in Mississippi". Biloxi Sun Herald. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  75. ^ Dawson, Lindsey; Kates, Jennifer. "Policy Tracker: Youth Access to Gender Affirming Care and State Policy Restrictions". KFF. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  76. ^ "Mississippi Identity Documents". transequality.org. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  77. ^ "Transgender teen can't legally change name until age 21, Mississippi Supreme Court rules". The Advocate. April 18, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  78. ^ a b "Mississippi SB2356 | 2022 | Regular Session". LegiScan. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  79. ^ "Mississippi SB2263 | 2022 | Regular Session". LegiScan. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  80. ^ a b "Mississippi". National Center for Transgender Equality. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  81. ^ "'They took it back.' MS reverses course on policy easing gender changes on licenses". Sun Herald. November 4, 2021.
  82. ^ "Mississippi Revises Way to Change Gender on Driver's License". U.S. News & World Report. November 2, 2021. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  83. ^ Ronan, Wyatt (March 3, 2021). "Breaking: First Anti-Trans Bill of 2021 Heads to Mississippi Governor's Desk". Human Rights Campaign. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  84. ^ Cole, Devan (March 4, 2021). "Mississippi moves one step closer to banning transgender athletes from women's sports". CNN. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  85. ^ Bollinger, Alex (February 15, 2021). "Mississippi's senate passess bill attacking trans people in school sports". LGBTQ Nation. Archived from the original on February 16, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  86. ^ Holcombe, Madeline (February 13, 2021). "Mississippi Senate votes to ban transgender athletes from women's sports". CNN. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  87. ^ Ronan, Wyatt (February 12, 2021). "Mississippi Senate Passes Discriminatory Anti-Transgender Sports Ban Bill". Human Rights Campaign. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  88. ^ Wagster, Emily (February 13, 2021). "Republican-controlled Senate in Mississippi votes to ban transgender athletes on female teams". Fox10 Phoenix. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  89. ^ Wagster Pettus, Emily (March 11, 2021). "Mississippi gov signs bill limiting transgender athletes". ABC News. Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  90. ^ Tracy, Matt (March 11, 2021). "Mississippi Governor Signs Bill Banning Trans Athletes". GayCityNews.com. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  91. ^ "Senate Bill 2536". billstatus.ls.state.ms.us. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  92. ^ "Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research in response to state laws - Mississippi Today". April 8, 2025. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
  93. ^ Lavietes, Matt (May 13, 2024). "Mississippi enacts transgender bathroom ban in public schools". NBC News. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  94. ^ McLaughlin, Grant (May 3, 2024). "MS Legislature passes transgender bathroom restriction bill". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  95. ^ Padgett, Donald (May 4, 2024). "Mississippi GOP pass anti-trans bathroom bill at last-minute". Advocate. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  96. ^ "Mississippi Hate Crimes Law". Human Rights Campaign. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  97. ^ "The Matthew Shepard And James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act Of 2009". www.justice.gov. August 6, 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  98. ^ Pallini, Samantha (June 1, 2017). "Mississippi Man First to be Prosecuted and Sentenced Under Federal Hate-Crime Statute". Syracuse Law Review. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  99. ^ Phillips, Ryan (March 24, 2018). "Starkville Pride event largest parade in city history". Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  100. ^ Simmons-Duffin, Selena (January 28, 2025). "Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military". NPR. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  101. ^ "Transgender service members challenge Trump's military ban". NBC News. January 28, 2025. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  102. ^ Liptak, Adam (May 6, 2025). "Supreme Court Lets Trump Enforce Transgender Troop Ban as Cases Proceed". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  103. ^ "Medical Conditions That Can Keep You From Joining the Military". Military.com. May 10, 2021. Archived from the original on January 30, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  104. ^ McNamara, Audrey (April 2, 2020). "FDA eases blood donation requirements for gay men amid "urgent" shortage". CBS News. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Mississippi&oldid=1304929919"