Video: Starkville LGBT Community Speaks Out Against Board’s Decision to Repeal Healthcare Policy

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Last week, the Starkville Board of Alderman rescinded the quality resolution and the plus-one health insurance causing some Starkville residents to rally together in hopes to make a change.

The LGBT community and supporters are coming together sharing their concerns about the recent setbacks in their community. With influence, they believe it can make a difference.

“When it comes to politics, involvement is really important particularly on the local level. Everybody thinks that their voice doesn’t count but all of us together can really out our voices together and really put some pressure on our politicians to do the right things so our politicians will do the right thing so they’re not just going off of their own agenda,” says Melissa Grimes.

Melissa Grimes, the organizer for the rally, believes the recension will deter possible employees from coming to Starkville.

“We need jobs here. Jobs are a big issue and this really has a huge economic impact when you talk about businesses coming in and things. Businesses don’t want to come into places where they discriminate,” says Grimes.

Another supporter, John Marszalek and his wife, spoke at the rally in support of his son.

Marszalek believes the recension was a wrong move for the city of Starkville.

“It made us go from being a leader to being a source of ridicule really,” says John Marszalek.

By speaking out, Marszalek says he is hoping the community and Starkville Board of Alderman rally behind their views.

“People begin to that this is a golden opportunity this is a great opportunity not only for LGBT people but for the whole community to show leadership in a role that is going to be happening anyway so why not be at the front of the parade instead of trailing behind,” says Marszalek.

Starkville Board of Alderman is expected to vote against Mayor Wiseman’s veto at the next meeting.