diff --git a/lib/localized_country_select.rb b/lib/localized_country_select.rb
index b98ef22..d37659d 100644
--- a/lib/localized_country_select.rb
+++ b/lib/localized_country_select.rb
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ def country_options_for_select(selected = nil, priority_countries = nil,options=
           country_options += options_for_select(LocalizedCountrySelect::priority_countries_array(priority_countries,options), selected)
           country_options += "<option value=\"\" disabled=\"disabled\">-------------</option>\n"
         end
-        return country_options + options_for_select(LocalizedCountrySelect::localized_countries_array(options), selected)
+        return country_options.html_safe + options_for_select(LocalizedCountrySelect::localized_countries_array(options), selected)
       end
       
     end