We are just now ending the first week of the second regular session of the 101st Missouri General Assembly, and already PROMO is paying close attention to 50 filed bills. We knew that this session was going to be tough. As we have for the past couple of years, we face an organized opposition aiming to roll back the equality of LGBTQ+ Missourians. Yet, we are hopeful and prepared to make real progress with our priorities, and to hold our rights intact with a team of champion legislators and our PROMO lobbyists.
As we head into next week, we are already preparing for our first public hearing on Tuesday, January 11 at 8:00 am on “Critical Race Theory Ban” bills HB 1474 (Schroer R-107 ) and HB 1995 (Richey R-38).
Both of these bills aim to ban any discussion in grade school curriclum of discrimination and oppression of people based on race, income, appearance, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, or gender identity. PROMO knows that teaching accurate representations of history does not seek to cause or spread conflict or pit one group against another. Instead, teaching accurate history examines aspects of our nation’s history that may have reflected racist, sexist, and oppressive ideology that has become embedded in our culture. For too long the stories of people who are not in the normalized majority have been hidden or only told in the context of the ways their contributions helped mainstream society. Now more than ever, we need our school curriculum to allow students to see themselves truthfully reflected in what they learn.
We are already seeing a need for our community to show up in big ways this year. We want to remind you that every action makes a difference, every voice matters. That’s why we need you now, to sign onto this petition insisting that school curriculum remain inclusive!
As always, PROMO is dedicated to making Missouri more equitable and inclusive for all. And with your help, we will continue:
- Resisting and defeating dangerous and discriminatory legislation;
- Advancing thoughtful and inclusive policy that supports LGBTQ+ people;
- Creating safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ people of all ages; and
- Protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ Missourians, each and every day.
We are excited to have the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act filed in both chambers this year, again as bi-partisan legislation. In honor of Rep. Hannegan’s determination to gain full equality for LGBTQ+ rights in our state, Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-98) has stepped in as this year’s bill sponsor in the House (HB 1737). And we are grateful to Sen. Greg Razer (D-7 ), member of the LGBTQ+ caucus, who is championing MONA in the Senate (SB 711).
Legislators will be seeing PROMO in the Capitol every day, demonstrating the vigilance, persistence, and expertise required to make certain Missouri laws protect and enhance the lives of all LGBTQ Missourians. Please join us by adding your voice to our petition now!
In Equality,
Shira Berkowitz, Director
