Mississippi's MHRA Launch Equality Campaign

Although Mississippi appears to be one of the least LGBT-friendly states right now, the Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association (MHRA) is trying to make up for its politicians' blunders.

In the wake of Governor Phil Bryant signing HB 1523 into law, which allows businesses to discriminate against LGBT people based on religious beliefs, MHRA started a campaign to counter that discrimination.

The "Everyone's Welcome Here" campaign was created to separate the tarnished image of Mississippi from its businesses. The voluntary-based campaign comes at no cost for members of the hospitality and restaurant industries. The MHRA will distribute door decals to participants and feature their business in an online directory in addition to promoting their services via social media.

MHRA's executive director, Mike Cashion, announced in a press release:

"Our industry serves a diverse customer base and we want to make sure all customers are appreciated and welcomed. We have a very clear and strong message to convey. Mississippi's restaurant industry is open for everyone's business."

Here's to the "hospitality state" reclaiming its name.