Jackson-- The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement in response to the Starkville Board of Alderman’s vote tonight on two key issues of LGBT equality. The Board voted to override the Mayor’s veto thereby rescinding the city’s equality resolution and plus-one healthcare benefits for Starkville municipal employees. HRC Mississippi director Rob Hill released the following statement.

“Though upsetting and disappointing, the board’s vote tells us that we must do more community engagement to show the leaders of Starkville that equality is important to move the city forward. Fairness and inclusion is critical to attracting new business to Starkville, diverse students to Mississippi State and quality workers to join the city’s workforce. Mayor Parker Wiseman showed tremendous leadership, courage and confidence to represent all residents of Starkville, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT people are our friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members, and we must ensure all people are welcomed within their communities."