We knew they would come, and here they are…the first anti-LGBTQ bills of the year.
During a session where we have already heard bipartisan voices speak up for LGBTQ protections on the House floor and pro-equality bills filed by both Democrats and Republicans, we are facing our first set of anti-LGBTQ bills this year.
Four of these anti-LGBTQ bills are filed by the same sponsor, Rep. Jeff Pogue. All four of these bills are blatantly anti-LGBTQ, and PROMO is in the Capitol every day to ensure these bills do not move forward.
For today, we want to focus on two bills that are a direct reaction to marriage equality. Get excited about our follow-up piece on the other two bills dealing with gender neutral spaces and bathrooms!
HB 780 would allow anyone authorized to solemnize a marriage in Missouri to refuse
based on religious beliefs or moral convictions.
Clergy and religious institutions are already allowed this right to refuse in Missouri, but this bill goes far beyond clergy to exempt anyone who is authorized by the state to solemnize a marriage.
HCR 30 is a resolution that calls for a Special Session for the purpose of eliminating the
state’s involvement in the institution of marriage.
Wait, what? No. We will not allow Missouri to move backwards in its protection of marriage for all couples.
Neither of these bills specifically call out LGBTQ people, but we all know who these bills are written for. Neither of these bills would have been introduced in 2019 without marriage equality.
Marriage equality is the law of the land. As a country, we moved together to finally agree that all couples should have the ability to celebrate their love, declare their commitment, and affirm their equality under the law. And we will not allow Missouri to take that away for anyone.
In 2018, PROMO defeated all 7 anti-LGBTQ bills filed. We have the same dedication and persistence in the Capitol this year to protect our rights as LGBTQ Missourians. Please show your support for PROMO’s presence in the Capitol to defeat anti-LGBTQ bills like HB 780 and HCR 30 with a gift of $5, $20, or $50 right now.
In solidarity,
Steph Perkins
Executive Director, PROMO
