MISSOURI: Senate Democrats Have Been Filibustering Anti-LGBT RFRA Bill All Night Long [AUDIO]

Holy cow! From the Riverfront Times:

How to stop a piece of a legislation that would codify the right to discriminate against same-sex couples? For Missouri Democrats, the answer may be to just keep talking. Last night at 4 p.m., the Senate Democratic caucus began filibustering a joint resolution aimed at bringing a constitutional amendment to Missouri voters that would mimic, in parts, Indiana’s controversial “religious freedom restoration” act. As of 6:30 a.m., they were still going.

The resolution, SJR 39, would refer to Missouri voters a possible constitutional amendment spelling out clear protections for anyone opposed to same-sex marriage. In essence, it would bar the state from imposing “any penalty” on those entities — including churches, other houses of worship and individuals “with sincere religious beliefs” — who decline to officiate or otherwise participate in same-sex marriage celebrations.

At this point, the constitutional amendment is utterly unnecessary. Currently LBGT people are not included in Missouri’s human rights law, so it’s perfectly legal to discriminate against them in everything from housing to employment —- not just wedding cakes. And beyond that, there are no cases that anyone can name of the state imposing penalties on anyone relating to same-sex marriage.

Listen at this link. At this moment the Democrats are talking about their kids. (Tipped by JMG reader AJ)

UPDATE: The Human Rights Campaign applauds.



Still going strong since 4:00 PM CT yesterday, these pro-equality state senators have been vigorously fighting an assault on equality that’s similar to so-called “First Amendment Defense Act” legislation introduced in other states. The extreme resolution would lead to a ballot measure that proposes to allow individuals, organizations, and businesses to use religion as a valid excuse to discriminate against LGBT people.

“These Missouri Senate Democrats working throughout the night to stop this outrageous assault on LGBT Missourians and their families are our heroes,” said JoDee Winterhof, HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs. “This resolution has nothing to do with religious liberty and everything to do with enshrining anti-LGBT discrimination into the Missouri Constitution. We are incredibly grateful for these state senators who are standing up against overwhelming odds to proclaim that hate and discrimination are not Missouri values.”

The filibuster against the anti-LGBT resolution is being led by Democratic Senators Jamilah Nasheed, Jill Schupp, Scott Sifton, Jason Holsman, Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Joseph Keaveny and Kiki Curls.

SJR 39 goes far beyond protecting the right of free exercise of one’s religion. While shrouded in language framed as prohibiting the state government from making funding or tax status decisions based on an organization’s views on marriage that are driven by religious belief, in reality it opens the door to discrimination against same-sex couples, their families, and those who love them.