Race and Anti-LGBT Legislation: An analysis of "religion freedom" coverage in Mississippi and national newspapers

This content analysis examines Mississippi and national newspaper coverage of House Bill 1523, which was considered harmful to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities in the state. The purpose of this study is to explore how the press, the public, and politicians discussed controversial issues related to LGBT rights and religious freedom legislation. Additionally, it examines how they interjected race into a discussion about the LGBT community. Results show conflict as a dominant news frame, anger as the dominant emotional appeal, and negativity as the primary tone. It also shows that Black elected officials cited as sources primarily discussed economics rather than race or equal rights.