An annual New York City picnic celebrating Mississippi food and culture is cancelled because of Mississippi's adoption of a contested religious-objections bill.
This would have been the 37th Mississippi Picnic in Central Park.
The New York Mississippi Society released a statement Tuesday cancelling the event. The group says New York City protesters were planning to show up to the picnic. They say they have decided to cancel the event because of the controversy and their own opposition to the bill.
Mississippi Development Authority spokesman Jeff Rent says in a statement that the New York Mississippi Society did not speak with local officials before cancelling the event.
Gov. Phil Bryant says in a statement that he is disappointed the picnic was cancelled.
