Following criticism from a board member and local pastor, Visit Mobile said it will continue to intentionally attract all visitors to the city.
Earlier this week, Pathway Church pastor Travis Johnson called on the organization, which is funded by the area’s lodging tax, to avoid promoting Pride events, which he said cause “friction.”
“Nobody's trying to stop anybody from whatever decision they make. Just don't use taxpayer money,” Johnson said.
As a member of the organization’s board of directors, Johnson said he is outnumbered and called on the City of Mobile and the Mobile County Commission to appoint board members who represent the values of the people of Mobile.
"We need more people that are not OK with this ideology and definitely don't want this ideology hoisted on taxpayers,” said Johnson. “We need more people that will represent Mobile. Mobile is not San Francisco or Los Angeles."
Visit Mobile responded to the criticism, stating it would continue to promote events for everyone.
“Visit Mobile's mission is to attract visitors to experience Mobile to increase economic impact and sustainability,” senior public relations and communications manager Ashley Rains stated. “We historically and without bias represent our local hospitality partners, community and destination to interest-based travel markets in order to achieve this mission successfully and purposefully. These partners include restaurants, hotels, shops and businesses."
“Visit Mobile will continue to remain intentional and a welcoming destination for everyone," she added.
The organization posted, "Love makes Mobile go round," and featured photos from Pride events to promote upcoming events.
As the primary marketing arm of Mobile, Visit Mobile receives 37.5% of the lodging tax. People from Mobile reacted on social media after Johnson spoke out.
"Another reason why Visit Mobile doesn't deserve more money," said one Mobile resident.
"I'm a local, and I have no problem with it," another resident responded. "Neither do thousands of others. The ones who have a problem with it are the ones who have religious beliefs that don't affirm LGBTQ people. Pride Month has been celebrated all over the world for decades, including in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, Florida and Alabama."
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