JACKSON (AP) — Gov. Phil Bryant says opponents are “desperately hoping” Mississippi will be hurt by a law that would let businesses and government workers deny some services to same-sex couples.

The Republican spoke to reporters Friday, a day after a federal appeals court lifted an injunction that has blocked the “religious objections” law from taking effect for nearly a year.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel did not rule on constitutional questions. Rather, judges said the gay and straight plaintiffs who sued the state have not shown they would be harmed by the law.

Opponents say they plan further appeals, which could indefinitely delay the law from taking effect. Legal experts say the Mississippi law is the broadest religious-objections measure enacted by any state since legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide.