Renowned chef Rob Connoley recently made the difficult decision to close his world-class restaurant, Bulrush, in St. Louis. The closure was a response to what Connoley referred to as Missouri’s “hate politics,” specifically targeting the LGBTQ community. This decision is a stark reminder of the impact of right-wing extremism on businesses and individuals who stand against such ideologies.
Despite Bulrush’s success and recognition as the best restaurant in St. Louis, Connoley felt compelled to take a stand against the state’s Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s anti-LGBTQ actions. Bailey, who has been using his position to pursue a discriminatory agenda, has been criticized for his misuse of power and focus on culture-war issues.
Connoley’s closure of Bulrush serves as a warning about the current political climate in Missouri, where hate and discrimination have infiltrated various sectors. Politicians like Bailey have been leveraging hate for political gain, causing concerns for marginalized communities and businesses that support inclusivity and equality.
Connoley’s hope is that the closure of his restaurant will shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals and families in Missouri. He calls for high-profile residents and businesses to stay, organize, and vote to combat political hate in the state. Ultimately, the closure of Bulrush serves as a call to action for the community to come together and reject discriminatory practices in order to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
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