Another state makes the City's LGBT List of Shame

"It's about getting people to take a stand."

So said West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio during her weekly media briefing today as she announced her decision to ban all city-funded travel to the state of Mississippi.

The ban, which takes effect immediately, follows Mississippi’s enactment of a discriminatory law that allows business and non-profit groups to refuse service to people on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"People need to say it is not acceptable. People need to understand that we are talking about sanctioning discrimination," said Mayor Muoio.

The Mayor acknowledged banning city-funded travel probably won't make much of an economic impact on the state, but she said it's about taking a stand and shedding light on the issues.

The ban affects all travel paid with city funds. It has no effect on the public at large.

Today's move follows a similar measure last week involving travel to North Carolina. West Palm Beach was the first city in Florida to issue a city-funded travel ban to North Carolina.

"I think it is important to draw attend to these horrible laws that are being passed," said Muoio.