HRC Mississippi Takes Action in the Gulf Coast
Post submitted by Harry Hawkins, Field Organizer HRC Mississippi and Rob Hill, HRC Mississippi State Director
Since Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB1523, “The Religious Liberty Accommodations Act,” into law, HRC Mississippi has been working to repeal this discriminatory, anti-LGBT law.
HRC Mississippi joined hundreds of allies from across the Gulf Coast at a rally for the repeal of HB1523 in Bay St. Louis earlier this month.
Businesses posted signs stating “All Are Welcome” and I spoke with one local business owner who stressed that HB1523 is bad for business in the Gulf Coast, an area that relies heavily on tourism.
“We are just getting back on our feet after Katrina,” she said. “And now we have this law!”
Since Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB1523 into law, more than 75 major national corporations and businesses have spoken out against the horrific measure, that would allow individuals, religious organizations and private associations to use religion to discriminate against LGBT Mississippians in some of the most important aspects of their lives, including at work, at schools, and in their communities.
At a different HRC gathering in Gulfport, HRC spoke with several Gulf Coast residents who are deeply concerned about the state, especially in light of HB1523.
One woman, Elaine, explained prior to the gathering that she intended to move from Mississippi after the passage of the shameful law. She said that she wanted to find a place that was more welcoming and inclusive of all of its citizens, including LGBT people.
Upon reflection, however, she reported via email the following day that after she met “like-minded friends and colleagues” she decided to stay in Mississippi.
“I was inspired and energized,” she wrote. “I’m looking forward to being a part of HRC in every way possible.”
HRC Mississippi is giving people a way to connect and take action against HB1523. These events and interactions in the Gulf Coast are just a few examples of how to get involved.
Other ways to take action include:
- Text “MyMississippi” to 30644 for updates and actions across the state.
- Sign up for our newsletter at www.hrc.org.
- Like HRC Mississippi’s Facebook page.
We hope you can join us and to learn more about HRC Mississippi, click here.
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