Friday, March 11, 2016

Missouri State Senate Approves "License To Discriminate" Bill


After a historic 39 hour filibuster effort by Democratic state Senators earlier this week, Missouri Republicans have advanced SJR39. The bill would legalize discrimination against LGBTs in the state.

From the Human Rights Campaign:

Similar to so-called “First Amendment Defense Act” legislation introduced in other states, this extreme resolution would lead to a ballot measure that, if approved by voters, would enshrine discrimination against LGBT people and their families into the state constitution. If the House of Representatives passes the resolution, it would go directly to the ballot and the governor would have no opportunity to veto it.

“SJR 39 is an irresponsible and shameful attempt by Missouri lawmakers to put LGBT people and their families in serious danger of even further discrimination,” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “The freedom to practice one’s religion is one of the founding principles of our country, but to use it as a means of state-sanctioned discrimination is completely unacceptable. We call on the Missouri House of Representatives to listen to the overwhelming chorus of pro-equality voices outraged by this proposal and reject this attack on LGBT people.”

The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives where Republicans hold a 2-1 majority.

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