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Those protesting the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which takes effect July 1, say it could sanction discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Oxford chef John Currence and others will host a Big Gay Mississippi Welcome Table dinner today in New York. Another group plans a moment of silence before the Saturday picnic in Central Park.

The measure says government can't substantially burden religious practices without compelling reasons. Critics fear it could allow business owners who oppose homosexuality to refuse services to gays and lesbians. Supporters say it's needed to prevent government from putting other priorities ahead of religious freedom, such as zoning laws.

Bryant said the Mississippi act mirrors a federal law President Bill Clinton signed in 1993 and that 18 other states have enacted since the mid-1990s. The governor also said he does not believe Mississippi's law will lead to anti-gay discrimination.

State leaders use the week before the picnic to promote Mississippi in New York.

"His trip to New York gives us an opportunity to face him in a larger arena," said Todd Allen, a Jackson minister who is organizing the moment of silence Saturday.

Currence said his $95-a-plate event at New York's City Grit supper club, is meant to show many Mississippians support gay and lesbian rights. The chef, who owns six restaurants including City Grocery, won the James Beard Award in 2009 for best Southern chef.

Continued here.........http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/2014/06/12/protests-aim-mississippi-picnic-new-york-city/10405193/