Reeling from HB 1523: Set to go in Effect July 1st

In just seven days, House Bill 1523 is set to go into effect. But our state has already felt its effects, as some people, businesses and entertainment companies have already pulled their projects from our state, calling the bill discriminatory.
South Mississippians in the TV and film industry say they’re reeling from the blow this bill has already dealt to the business.
South Mississippi actor Bowie Hamilton recently played the role of a slave owner in the remake of the “Roots” TV miniseries, but in real life he’s no racist.
Local actors say House Bill 1523 is killing business and opportunities in Mississippi as major stars and production companies continue to pull the plug on their planned projects here in the state all because of HB 1523. “We’ve got a whole culture of people that are trying to act, write, perform, direct, whatever you want to do and it’s hurting the business and for what, so people can say something that nobody is even talking about? Let the situation rest. It’s crazy, the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,” said Hamilton.
Cher Foley owns Casting the Coast and has spent years developing local talent. She says the bill is already driving some actors and crew members across state lines to find work. “We’re all not happy about it because it is affecting the film business immediately and directly. For casting , a lot of people that would normally come here and be in films say they will not be in Mississippi.”
Foley says HB 1523 sends the wrong message and hopes state lawmakers will flip the script and rescind the bill. “Why don’t you want a multi-billion dollar industry to set roots in Mississippi?”