Sharon Stone Cancels Plans To Film In Mississippi Because Of Anti-LGBT Law

Sharon Stone, the Academy-Award-nominated and Golden-Globe-winning actress, has canceled her plans to shoot a new short film in Mississippi after the state passed an anti-LGBT law and will move the film to another location. The film, called The Principle, is set to be the second film in the “Films for Peace” series. It will be directed by Academy Award nominee James Cromwell and will focus on the “dangerous levels” of cyber-bullying among today’s adolescents. Stone will act as a moderator between the victim and the cyber-bully. The movie was supposed to start filming in June.

Stone released her statement to Mississippi Film Studios President Rick Moore, citing the state’s “Religious Liberty” bill (House Bill 1523) as her motivation for changing locations for the film.

“I will not work in any state that holds or is actively creating laws to legally support discrimination against American citizens whether due to their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation,” said the statement. “Nor where those laws are passed or approved by the government of said state.”

HB1523 allows religious organizations and private businesses to refuse service to LGBT people based on their religious beliefs. It also stops local communities from instating anti-discrimination ordinances and mandates transgender people to use the public restrooms that correspond with their birth biological sex.

Moore also released some comments on the effect of the law on the state’s film industry.

“HB 1523 has stirred many passionate opinions, which has unfortunately slowed the momentum of the film industry,” said Moore. However he did believe that “incentive is still strong to shoot in Mississippi” and “independent productions without A-list talent will still consider it an option.”

While Stone has not commented on her decision yet, she is an unapologetic advocate for the LGBT community and joins a growing list of stars condemning HB 1523 which was signed into law 10 days ago. For example, rock singer Bryan Adams canceled his April 14th performance in the state earlier this week. Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr canceled their concerts in North Carolina over a similar law.