Following the lengthy list of businesses that have made their opposition known to North Carolina’s religious freedom bill, HB 2, a growing number of companies have been quick to speak out against similar legislation in Mississippi.

The latest is the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association (MHRA), which has announced the launch of a new campaign, ‘Everyone’s Welcome Here’, for the end of April.

In a press statement, Mike Cashion, executive director of the MHRA, said, ‘When HB 1523 was signed, Mississippi was thrust into the national spotlight. Regardless of its intent, this legislation has created a level of controversy and public perception that affects the image of our state and the hospitality community.

‘And while we may not be able to manage the image and brand of the entire state, we can affect the image of our restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses.’

The MHRA, a non-profit organization that represents 1,400 member establishments, will print posters and decals for hotels and restaurants to display to affirm the fact that ‘Everyone’s Welcome Here.’

‘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.’

According to the statement, Mississippi’s 4,300 restaurants contribute significantly to the local economy, providing employment for over 80,000 people and over $228 million in State taxes.

‘Put simply, HB 1523 is not a bill that reflects the values of our companies.’

Last week, Human Rights Campaign coordinated an open letter, signed by several high-profile business leaders, calling on Mississippi governor Phil Bryant, Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, and House Speaker Philip A. Gunn to repeal HB 1523. The letter was signed by representatives of Bloomberg L.P, airbnb, Eventbrite, Dropbox, Coca Cola, Intel, Hewlett Packard, and around 50 others.

The letter stated that HB 1523, the Religious Liberty Accommodations Acts, ‘would allow individuals, religious organizations and private associations to use religion to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Mississippians in some of the most important aspects of their lives, including at work, at schools, in their family life and more.

‘Put simply, HB 1523 is not a bill that reflects the values of our companies.’

Yesterday, singer Bryan Adams announced that he was cancelling a concert appearance in Biloxi, Mississippi in protest at the legislation – echoing a similar gesture made by Bruce Springsteen, who cancelled a show in North Carolina over the weekend.