Episcopal Vicar says Mississippi law not her beliefs

Jackson, Miss. (AP) —  An Episcopal vicar says she's trying to block a new Mississippi law because it runs counter to her religious belief that marriage should be open to any loving, committed couple.

The Rev. Susan Hrostowski of Hattiesburg is one of the people suing Gov. Phil Bryant and other state officials over House Bill 1523. Three federal lawsuits seek to block the bill from becoming law July 1.

The bill protects three beliefs: That marriage should only be between a man and a woman, that sex should only take place within such a marriage and that a person's gender is set at birth.

U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves heard several hours of testimony Thursday and will hear more Friday.

He hasn't said when he will rule on whether to block the law.

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The Gayly – June 24, 2016 @ 6:45 a.m.