Mississippi House Bill HB1171

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Marriage; remove prohibition for same-sex.

Impact

The passage of HB1171 would significantly alter the state’s legal framework concerning marriage, reflecting a more inclusive approach to marital rights. By repealing the section that defines same-sex marriages as illegal, Mississippi would eliminate legal discrepancies that have persisted post the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which legalized same-sex marriage at the federal level. This move is expected to ease the implementation of marriage licenses for same-sex couples and could lead to broader acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals in Mississippi society.

Summary

House Bill 1171 seeks to amend Section 93-1-1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically addressing the legal provisions surrounding marriage. The primary purpose of this bill is the removal of the prohibition against same-sex marriage, thus allowing for marriage between individuals of the same gender to be recognized as valid in Mississippi. This legislative change aligns Mississippi's marriage laws with growing national trends toward marriage equality, which have been influenced by various legal rulings and shifts in public opinion regarding LGBTQ+ rights.

Contention

Despite its potential positive reception, HB1171 has faced substantial opposition from various conservative and religious groups within the state who view the bill as contrary to traditional marriage values. The debate surrounding this bill encapsulates broader societal divisions regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Mississippi, a state that has a history of legislatively enacting restrictions on such rights. As a result, discussions around HB1171 not only focus on legal implications but also touch upon moral and cultural concerns held by different constituents within Mississippi.

Additional_notes

If HB1171 is enacted, it is likely to prompt further discussions and legislative actions related to LGBTQ+ rights and protections in Mississippi. Observers predict that the bill might serve as a catalyst for other proposed legislation aimed at enhancing equality for marginalized groups within the state, though significant pushback from various factions is expected based on the contentious nature of this issue.