Local restaurant owner responds to HB 1523 with positive signs

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Local restaurateur, Robert St. John responded with welcome signs on top of all his restaurants' entrance way after Governor Phil Bryant signed into the law the Religious Accommodations Act.

The controversial law allows private businesses to refuse service to the LGBT community based off their religious beliefs.

John wrote in a statement:

"The statement at the entrance of our restaurants is nothing new. It is how we at New South Restaurant Group have felt and operated our business for 28 years. We have never, and will never, discriminate against anyone, no matter what their race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation or school affiliation. We love all of our customers. Always have, always will.

When my daughter was younger she had a “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelet. I have always liked that question. I figure if Jesus owned a restaurant he would say that “all are welcome, all are appreciated, all are loved.” It’s just that simple."

The new law takes into effect July 1.