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Release: Senate Democrats Defend Equality – Republicans Use Nuclear Option to Enshrine Discrimination in the MO Constitution

JEFFERSON CITY — Unable to move legislation after 37 consecutive hours of debate, the Republican supermajority employed a rarely used parliamentary procedure to end debate after Senate Democrats filibustered SJR 39. The measure would enshrine protections for discriminatory provisions into the Missouri Constitution.

Senator Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) stated, “The majority caucus continues to preach less government intrusion in our lives until they decide they want more intrusion on our freedom to be treated with respect and equality.”

Senate Democrats attempted on numerous occasions to negotiate on the resolution; however, all serious attempts were rebuffed by the sponsor.

“We will always stand against legislation that discriminates,” said Senator Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur).

Senate Democrats voted unanimously against the Constitutional amendment. In Missouri, it is already legal to fire a person or refuse them housing based on their sexual orientation. This resolution would enshrine in the constitution the right to refuse wedding-related services to same-sex couples.

Just before sunrise on the third day of the filibuster, the Senate Majority ended debate via the previous question, which is the legislative equivalent of saying ‘shut-up’. SJR 39 is part of a national effort to roll back the clock in light of the Obergefell decision, which granted same-sex couples the Constitutional right to marry.