Today, the House Rules – Administrative Oversight Committee advanced HJR 53, a hateful attack on transgender youth in our state, all but assuring a contentious debate on the House Floor vote in the coming days.
HJR 53 would bar transgender youth from participating on a sports team that corresponds with their gender identity. As a joint resolution, HJR 53 would send a constitutional amendment to voters in 2022 to decide the fate of transgender youth participation in school sports. Many voters of which have never met a transgender kid or understand that regulations are already in place making school sports fair for all students.
Transgender youth across Missouri deserve to be part of a team, play the sport they love, and learn the values of teamwork, respect, and leadership with their friends, just like all other young student athletes.
We need your help NOW to call your House Representative and tell them to OPPOSE HJR 53.
We decided long ago that discrimination is wrong and that everyone should have the same opportunities to participate — that should include transgender youth, and that should include equal opportunity for all LGBTQ Missourians. This year is the 23rd year that the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA) has been referred to committees in both Chambers. Last week, Senator Razer (D-Kansas City) introduced MONA as an amendment to a bill on the Senate floor which failed to pass on a narrow bipartisan margin of 17-15.
In the House, HB 275, the House version of MONA, has been referred to the House Children and Families Committee, with Chair Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold).
In partnership with the Missouri Realtors, the AARP, and others, we urge supporters of LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections, call Chairwoman Coleman, and ask her to hold a public hearing on HB 275 — 573-751-3751.
With five weeks left in Missouri’s legislative session, we are staying diligent as a handful of the worst anti-LGBTQ bills are still in committees awaiting further action. The PROMO team will keep you up to date as we protect trans kids, defend marriage equality, and ensure LGBTQ Missourians can live and thrive!
Continue turning to PROMO in the final weeks as legislation may move quickly. Legislators see PROMO working in the Capitol, demonstrating the vigilance, persistence, and expertise required to make certain Missouri laws protect and enhance the lives of all LGBTQ Missourians. We’re here to guide you to action — it takes all of us to make sure our laws fully protect LGBTQ Missourians.
In Equality,
Stephen Eisele, Executive Director
Don’t forget to sign up for our upcoming Let Kids Play Lobby Day on Wednesday, April 14th, and order our new PROMO Let Kids Play t-shirts to visibly show support of trans kids across our state while helping us continue to defend them against legislative attacks!
