HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Hattiesburg City Council members have unanimously passed a diversity policy statement, that for the first time, specifically includes protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) residents.
“Hattiesburg is a community that is strongest when all of our residents feel they can live openly and safely,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree, in a written statement. “We draw our strength from our diversity – our different backgrounds, our different talents, our different passions.”
Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin called the Tuesday vote, a step in the right direction. “While we still have work ahead of us, there’s no question that equality is marching forward and attitudes are changing in Mississippi faster than we’ve seen ever before,” he said.
The resolution is similar to one adopted last month in Starkville.
