The Recording Academy, governing body of the annual Grammy Awards, cut the ribbon on its first museum outside of Los Angeles less than a month ago — and it’s located in Mississippi, a state that has just passed what critics are calling the most restrictive anti-LGBT bill to date.
Dozens of entertainment companies and high-profile individuals have threatened boycotts over similar legislation considered in other states, including Georgia and North Carolina, objecting to laws that would allowing businesses and faith-based organizations to refuse goods and services to same-sex couples or others on religious grounds.
Reached by TheWrap on Friday, a Recording Academy spokesperson sidestepped whether the organization would speak out on Mississippi’s Bill 1523, which passed the state’s House on Friday and awaits Gov. Phil Bryant’s signature.
Instead, the group offered this statement: “Mississippi was chosen as the home for the first Grammy Museum outside of Los Angeles because the Delta is regarded by many as the birthplace of American music, whose universal nature has bridged cultural differences and brought communities together throughout history.”
“The Recording Academy’s sincere hope is that the Grammy Museum in Mississippi will continue to bridge the gaps that exist in our society today. Music is all-inclusive and does not discriminate,” the rep added.
The museum formally opened March 5 in the city of Cleveland, Mississippi, and emphasizes youth programs. It currently houses a Beatles retrospect and a costume exhibit that features looks from artists like gay icon Lady Gaga.
Next to her costume display, a poster of the signer hangs with a quote that reads, “Ignore all hated and criticism. Live for what you create, and die protecting it.”