Missouri House Hears LGBT Anti-Discrimination Bill for First Time
A bill that has been waiting nine years for a hearing finally got one in the Missouri House yesterday. Unfortunately, it's unlikely to advance.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports:
"For nine years, various Democrats have filed a bill in the Legislature that would add "sexual orientation" to Missouri's nondiscrimination act. Until Monday evening, the bill had never had a House hearing. But Monday, Rep. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia, presented his bill to the House committee on urban affairs and urged lawmakers to take "one step at a time" in advancing civil rights protections to gays. The bill seems unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled Legislature, but still, advocates of civil rights for gays and lesbians were encouraged that the bill finally had a hearing."
The bill, which is supported by the attorney general's office, would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Several people testified in favor of the bill, and nobody testified against it.
And I don't know much about Webber, but this certainly seems to me the sign of a generational shift in values. Webber is an Iraq war veteran who served two tours of duty. At 26-years-old, he is the youngest member of the Missouri House.
Yep, Webber is my senator and I'm very impressed not only with his introduction of this bill, but his work in general. Let's hope this is the new wave of politicians and they will move up to become our national leaders.
Posted by: Ron | Mar 23, 2010 8:45:29 AM
You have to remember Columbia is a college town and progressive by nature.
Posted by: unruly | Mar 23, 2010 8:53:36 AM
If the bill seeks to add sexual orientation but neglects gender identity I would call it illegitimate and unworthy of support from anyone. I'm pleased the subject finally came ti be discussed but does this senator really think he's doing the community any good by excluding the protection of so many gender variant gay and lesbians, as well as the straight trans people that live in Missouri? Or is he just another HRC type tool for the gay elite?
Posted by: Emelye Waldherr | Mar 23, 2010 9:16:39 AM
Yes I am sure by trying to take a step in the right direction, he is a "tool". I agree that gender identity should be included but I do not see the point in attacking someone who is trying to help. Why not try to educate him instead? Gee that might actually be more productive than sitting at a computer and calling names.
Posted by: Rann | Mar 23, 2010 9:36:39 AM
A high school junior is a representative in the Missouri legislature? Lord, they just get younger and younger.
Posted by: Rob | Mar 23, 2010 11:46:06 AM
I am one of the field organizers with PROMO in Missouri and the Missouri Non Discrimination Act (MONA) does include gender identity and expression. The reporter mentions sexual orientation only, however, the current bill is inclusive of our transgender community as well.
Posted by: Deon | Mar 23, 2010 11:55:38 AM
And he's kinda cute too.
@Rob
He's 26 not 16! That's a whole decade older than a HS junior.
Additionally, a younger legislature is exactly what we need. Gay rights being a generational issue with (generally speaking) the old folks being against it and the younger groups being for it.
Posted by: ravewulf | Mar 23, 2010 1:00:37 PM
Hopefully this will turn out well.
Posted by: Dawnell_do | Mar 23, 2010 5:23:52 PM
@ EMELYE - you are a moron
Posted by: pampermyass | Mar 24, 2010 2:18:26 AM