“As a consequence of the unfortunate passage of House Bill 1523 we have been informed by several New York City-based concerned groups that they intend to protest the passing of this law. The New York Mississippi Society hosts the event and released a statement saying that they are deeply sorry about the cancellation of the Mississippi Picnic. Every year, Mississippians gather in Central Park with businesses and residents to celebrate their state’s culture. According to the statement of the Society, “Our mission in 1980 was show a positive image Mississippi in New York.” The event this year, which is a tribute to B.B. The event, a tribute to B.B. Gov. Bryant, who was a regular at this picnic, issued a statement dismaying that the Society had cancelled it. “I’m disappointed that we won’t celebrate Mississippi’s rich, diverse culture in Central Park.” Governor Bryant said that he was confident that many New Yorkers feel the exact same way. Bryant released a statement. Bryant said that he would be glad to take part in any future event if organizers decide to revive it. The legislation has drawn a swift and strong protest from supporters who claim it protects religious freedom, giving them the right not to serve same-sex couples. It is criticized by gay, lesbian, and transgender people as discriminatory. In protest of the legislation, several other public figures and officials cut ties to the state. Songwriter Sherman Alexie and singer Bryan Adams cancelled appearances in Mississippi due to opposition to the law. Governors from New York, Vermont, and Washington have prohibited official state travel to Mississippi, while mayors from Washington D.C. Seattle, San Francisco, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City have done so. The Navy moved last week the U.S.S. commissioning ceremony. After the mayor of Pascagoula refused to travel to Mississippi to attend the event, Portland was moved from Pascagoula, Ore. to Portland, Ore. Even so, everyone involved in the planning of the picnic was surprised by the decision to cancel it. Jeff Rent, spokesperson for Mississippi Development Authority, said that they were disappointed by the decision and the lack of communication with Mississippi partners prior to cancelling the event. “We had actually almost purchased plane tickets. Mitchell McCamey (owner of Tupelo’s Neon Pig Restaurant), a sponsor for the event, said that we were almost ready to push the button. It’s a bit annoying to me that the event was canceled. “I haven’t gotten the bottom of it,” Alexis Brown (picnic coordinator for the New York Mississippi Society) did not respond to inquiries for comment. Chris Porter, a Vicksburg artist who painted B.B. King was used this year on the official picnic T-shirt and poster. “I wish they would have the courage to face it. Let Gov. Let Gov. A moment of silence was held in Central Park by a gay, lesbian, and transgender group before the 2014 Mississippi Picnic. This took place after the governor signed “The Religious Freedom Restoration Act”. Opponents claimed that this law discriminated against gay, lesbian, and transgender peoples. Supporters, however, argued that the final version of the law simply maintained rights established in a 1993 federal law signed by President Bill Clinton. Porter, an open lesbian who lives with her partner and five-year old child, feels that this year’s legislation makes it necessary to cancel the picnic. It has prevented me from making the thoughtful decision of whether or not to participate, in protest or in protest. Porter stated that this is something Porter has been thinking about for the past week. “It’s been completely disheartening and disappointing to have to make this decision after it’s been in the making for over a decade.” Other Mississippi businesses that will be participating in the picnic are Delta Magazine, McAlister’s Deli and Simmons Catfish. Sugare’s Bakery is also scheduled. Porter stated, “It’s important for us to continue our presence in other areas of the country so that they know, when we see what we bring, that we are smart, not just pretty.” “And it benefits others, that they get the chance to meet us on our turf and realize that they might want to visit Mississippi.” Others argue that Mississippi’s loss of this year’s event will cost them a valuable opportunity to showcase its best qualities in an international setting. McCamey stated, “Don’t cancel cool kids,” referring to McCamey’s restaurant and other organizations that travel to New York for the picnic. “We shine the best light upon Mississippi. We are all extremely open-minded, educated and well-traveled. This law does not reflect everyone in Mississippi.”