WATCH: New York Trolls Anti-LGBT States With Economic Development Ads

TV Spots Aim to Lure Businesses Away from Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott made headlines last week for his effort to lure businesses away from England in the wake of the country’s “Brexit” vote to leave the European Union. 

However, Abbott’s message is being undermined in his own backyard by a new economic development campaign from the state of New York that characterizes Texas as a hostile environment for LGBT people and other minorities. 

In addition to Texas, New York’s “Open Doors Campaign” — unveiled by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week — began airing TV ads on Sunday in Mississippi and North Carolina, both of which have passed horrific anti-LGBT legislation in recent months. The Open Doors ads tout New York as “a beacon that welcomes those unwelcome in other places,” referencing Ellis Island, the Underground Railroad, the fight for women’s suffrage and the Stonewall Rebellion. 

“Now, as some in America seem to be forgetting exactly what freedom means, New York State is once again standing up for those who others try to keep down, by welcoming, promoting and applauding all who have so much to offer, giving us the privilege of being known by the companies we keep,” the narrator states in one of the ads. “So, if you and your business want to be where the true leaders are, where we understand the value of diversity and work to make suer everyone can succeed, join us, grow here, start your business here, and welcome to New York State.” 

“Today, when love is under attack by Hate, we welcome those with big hearts and big visions for what the world can become,” another ad states. 

Featuring numerous images of same-sex couples, the ads highlight North Carolina’s HB2 and Mississippi’s HB1523, as well as Abbott’s memo in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of nationwide marriage equality, in which he suggested public officials could discriminate against gay couples.

The ads also mention states’ efforts to halt the resettlement of Syrian refugees, but the main focus appears to be LGBT rights.  

Cuomo unveiled the Open Doors campaign in a news release about his establishment of an LGBT Memorial Commission to create a monument honoring those who died in the Orlando terror attack, as well as other victims of hate, intolerance and violence. 

“It is more important than ever that we stand up for the LGBT community and ensure everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect,” Cuomo said in the release.