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U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves issued a ruling striking down HB 1523, the nation's most sweeping anti-LGBT law, which was scheduled to go into effect across Mississippi on Friday.16 WAPT News received an email of the decision just minutes before midnight Friday.Tap here to read rulingThe ruling states, "the court finds that HB 1523 does not honor the tradition of religious freedom, nor does it respect the equal dignity of all of Mississippi's citizens."The court granted an injunction filed in a lawsuit against Gov. Phil Bryant by the Campaign for Southern Equality. They claim the law violates people's First Amendment rights.At least four lawsuits were filed to block HB 1523.Earlier this week, Judge Reeves issued a partial ruling that circuit clerks cannot refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses over their religious beliefs.HB 1523 would allow some businesses and religious organizations to deny services to gay, lesbian and transgender people based on their religious beliefs.In a statement issued Friday morning, Bryant said he looks forward "to an aggressive appeal" of the ruling.Attorney General Jim Hood his office is evaluating whether to appeal."I can't pick my clients, but I can speak for myself as a named defendant in this lawsuit," Hood said in a statement. "The fact is that the churchgoing public was duped into believing that HB 1523 protected religious freedoms. Our state leaders attempted to mislead pastors into believing that if this bill were not passed, they would have to preside over gay wedding ceremonies. No court case has ever said a pastor did not have discretion to refuse to marry any couple for any reason. I hate to see politicians continue to prey on people who pray, go to church, follow the law and help their fellow man."Speaker of the House Philip Gunn said he is disappointed by the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court."The legislation struck down (Thursday) is designed to protect women and their unborn children," Gunn said. "For those of us who believe in the sanctity of human life, this ruling is a major setback."40308562