Last night, Rep. Chuck Bayse (R, D47) maliciously attached a transgender athlete ban amendment to HB 2140, Rep.McGaugh’s election bill. HB2140 was then perfected. The issue is not germane to HB 2140 and passing the bill would be unconstitutional. Fortunately, many Republicans and Democrats recognized the unconstitutionality of this proposed legislation, saw through his attempt to harm LGBTQ+ children, and voted “no”, “abstained”, or “present”.
The bill still requires a third read. We need you to call your representatives today to THANK THEM for voting the way that they did.
If your Representative is listed below, please reach out and thank them for their vote on this amendment (Representative look up)
NOES:
Adams, Anderson, Applebaum, Aune, Bangert, Baringer, Barnes, Bosley, Brown 27, Brown 70, Burnett, Burton, Clemens, Collins, Dogan, Fogle, Gunby, Ingle, Mackey, McCreery, Meredith, Nurrenbern, Person, Phifer, Prince IV, Proudie, Quade, Rogers, Sander, Sharp 36, Smith 45, Smith 67, Stevens 46, Terry, Turnbaugh, Unsicker, Walsh Moore 93, Weber, Windham, Young
PRESENT:
Gray, Lovasco, Schwadron
ABSENT WITH LEAVE:
Aldridge, Bailey, Bland Manlove, Boggs, Butz, Christofanelli, Coleman 97, Davidson, DeGroot, Derges, Doll, Ellebracht, Gregory 96, Johnson, Kidd, Lewis 25, McDaniel, Morse, Mosley, Pietzman, Rowland, Sauls, Sharpe 4, Smith 155, Smith 163
We spoke out against Bayse’s proposed legislation already so he is trying every way possible to sneak it in. Transgender and gender nonconforming children are being used as pawns so that legislators can get sound bites for re-election.
Call your legislators to encourage them and say thank you for opposing this move.
Some lawmakers are choosing to use transgender children as pawns in their political campaigns. We know this is not about athletic competition, this is about whether or not we can treat transgender Missourians fairly across all areas of life—or whether they can be unfairly fired, kicked out of a restaurant, denied an apartment, or denied the health care they need, just because of who they are.
Even as these bills advance, as lawmakers attempt to make compromises, and instead turn to mean-spirited legislation, there is still much we can do to stop this attack!
- Call your representative and thank them for voting NO, PRESENT, or ABSTAINING (those who walked away from the vote).
Remind your representatives that constituents are listening. Encourage them to challenge these dangerous bills and remind them they can choose to be a powerful voice in supporting Missouri’s transgender youth.
With less than 4 weeks left of legislative session, legislators see PROMO in the Capitol every day, demonstrating the vigilance, persistence, and expertise required to make certain Missouri’s laws protect and enhance the lives of all LGBTQ Missourians. Thank you for continuing to support us in this work!
In Solidarity,
Shira Berkowitz, Sr. Director Public Policy and Advocacy
