Phil Bryant in The Jackson Clarion-Ledger

On Abortion: Signed "heartbeat bill": abortion ban after 15 weeks

The law is being challenged in federal court by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Mississippi has been in a similar position before. Last year, Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban into law. After an emergency hearing, the law was ruled unconstitutional and blocked from taking effect.

Of the legislation, Bryant previously said, "We think this is showing the profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible. It also protects, we believe, the physical and mental health of the mother. We here in Mississippi believe in protecting and defending the whole life of that child."

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 81-36-2, Feb. 13; passed Senate 34-14-4, Feb. 13.

On Civil Rights: Let business use religious belief to not serve LGBT people

Analysis of HB 1523 by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger: A reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide, the Mississippi bill seeks to protect by law the belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and prevents government intervention when churches or businesses act "based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction." The advocacy director for the Mississippi Center for Justice said HB 1523 "violates a fundamental American value and strikes at the very heart of our work towards a fairer and more just state. This law is discriminatory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-17-1 on Mar/30/17; Passed House 69-44-8 on Apr/1/17; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Apr/19/17.