Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant on Thursday was awarded the Family Research Council’s inaugural Samuel Adams Religious Freedom Award for his efforts to protect freedom of conscience in the wake of several cultural riptides.
In his remarks presenting the award, FRC President Tony Perkins cited Mr. Bryant’s willingness to buck the opposition from powerful business interests and advocacy groups in order to advance the cause of religious liberty.
“Targeted by those who wish to advance a radical social agenda, Governor Bryant has stood firm and unequivocal in defending religious liberty for the citizens of Mississippi,” Mr. Perkins said.
Mr. Bryant drew the ire of the LGBT-rights movement this year when he signed the Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act, which prevents the government from discriminating against citizens due to their belief in marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
The governor in 2014 also signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law, making it more difficult for the government to burden the free exercise of religion.
“Our nation is in need of men of devotion like Sam Adams today, Christian statesmen whose understanding of transcendent truth leads them to passionately defend private property and religious freedom as the very foundation of a free and prosperous society,” Mr. Perkins said. “Governor Phil Bryant is one of those men.”
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