MISSISSIPPI: State Capital Of Jackson Passes Pro-LGBT Rights Resolution

Via the Jackson Free Press:

Mississippi's largest city and state capital finally passed a resolution affirming equality for all citizens, including the LGBT community. After more than two hours at today's Jackson City Council meeting, before a packed audience, members voted 3-1 for a "resolution supporting equality for all citizens of Jackson, Mississippi." Ward 3 Councilwoman LaRita Cooper-Stokes was the lone dissenting vote, but did not speak against the measure. Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell and Ward 4 Councilman De'Keither Stamps were absent. #The sponsors of the resolution—the eighth in a series passed in cities around the state—were Ward 5 Councilman Charles Tillman, a council veteran who also acts as president, and Melvin Priester Jr., of Ward 2, one of the younger councilmen, who serves as vice president.

Knol Aust, co-founder and chair of Unity Mississippi, released a statement during the meeting applauding the move. " I'm excited to see Mississippi's capital and largest city recognize that diversity, including LGBTQ citizens, is a critical component of a successful city," Aust said. "It's an historic and timely resolution—especially when you consider the recent legislation (SB2681) that was originally manufactured to allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community. We welcome this acknowledgement by the city that its citizens deserve equal treatment regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Unity Mississippi vows to pursue an actual ordinance.

(Via JMG readers Knol and Helen)