Mississippi

That argument is an old chestnut that will not die!


Pastor Thomas Rogers, of Josey Creek Missionary Baptist Church, indicated he believes Starkville already adequately accepts the LGBT community but said the parade request sought “special privilege.”

“I think this is a very inclusive, a very friendly place, a very friendly city, a very friendly county,” Rogers said. “We’ve done a lot of things for the university and to attract businesses and influential people. But every city has to have limits. Cities without walls are easily taken.”

The permit request had originally appeared on the Board of Aldermen’s consent agenda, but was pulled for a separate vote at the request of a member. The board also reportedly held an executive session during Tuesday’s meeting to discuss possible litigation related to the proposed parade.

Starkville Pride’s Bailey McDaniel, who was left in tears after the decision, said the group planned to contact the ACLU and other pro-LGBTQ groups about taking legal action, according to the Starkville Daily News. McDaniel said she believes the permit denial was linked to Mississippi’s House Bill 1523, which allows government entities to refuse service to LGBTQ people based on religious beliefs....................................