SHANNON, Miss. — O’Hara’s would have been the newest gay bar in Northeast Mississippi, but despite a pending lawsuit, Shannon Aldermen still would not hand out a bar license.
The first time the board turned down, owner, PJ Newton’s request she decided to get the Southern Poverty Law Center involved. They claim the decision was made because of discrimination against the gay and lesbian community, but the city attorney said it was because there is already another bar across the street and there was concern of “general welfare.” Back in the 90s Newton owned a gay bar in the same area without a problem.
You can read a copy of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s request here.
