JACKSON, Miss.–The seal that represents your state has changed and it’s because of the same law that had people protesting outside the governor’s mansion Tuesday. That’s the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
One provision of that new law, which went into effect Tuesday, changed the state seal to say “In God We Trust”.
“In my State of the State Address, I called on the Legislature to add the simple yet profound words ‘In God We Trust’ to Mississippi’s state seal. These words should strengthen our resolve and give us the courage to stand for our principles in our state. I am very proud to see them added to our seal,” said Gov. Phil Bryant.
Bryant called on Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann to get the design of the new seal done. The Cirlot Agency developed the new seal graphics free of charge.
“As instructed by the Mississippi Legislature, our Agency has developed a new State seal for the State of Mississippi, including the words “In God We Trust,” said Hosemann. “This is a historic symbol of our State.”
As far as the other part of the law, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Mississippi’s law mirrors the federal RFRA signed into law by President Bill Clinton and protects individuals from undue burden on closely held religious beliefs, said a news release from Bryant’s office.
“The United States Supreme Court’s June 30 decision in the Hobby Lobby case made clear that RFRA does not provide a shield for illegal discrimination,” said the release.
Still some in the LGBT community feel the stigma associated with the law might now open doors for discrimination.
