Missouri LGBT Legislative Preview

BY: AMANDA WICHERN

    As we creep toward the one-year mark since the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA) got its first hearing on the Senate floor after an eight year halt, supporters aren’t ready to give up the fight.

    The Senate was so last season. The House is all the rage this year and would be a benchmark in adding sexual orientation and gender identity protections to the state’s existing Human Rights Statute. The new additions would make it illegal to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Missourians in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodation.

    According to A.J. Bockelman, Executive Director of PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBT advocacy group it is imperative for the LGBT community to have both MONA on the state level along with a yet- to-be-passed Federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act. Bockelman believes MONA is needed because it is not yet clear what exemptions will be set on the federal level. The overlapping of the two laws will add additional protections for the LGBT community.

    In addition to lobbying for LGBT equality, PROMO remains vigilant in fighting anti-gay bills like Sen. Jane Cunningham’s (R-7-Chesterfield) Intellectual Diversity Bill being put into discussion for college campuses throughout the state. This bill states that it will be a requirement for colleges to have equal parallel discussions on topics—i.e.: If LGBT issues are being taught, then anti-gay philosophies would need to be given equal time.

    2010 also marks the return of the trio of legislators which comprise the Missouri LGBT caucus. Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford (D-59-St. Louis), Rep. Mike Colona (D-67-St. Louis) and Sen. Jolie Justus (D-10-Kansas City) have been busy making their voices heard in Jefferson City discussing issues on the floor and pronouncing those pertaining to the LGBT and allied community.

    St. Louis Rep. Oxford has been using her time on how LGBT issues affect the community as a whole while fellow city resident, Rep. Colona has been discussing the importance of allies in the LGBT community.

    Aside from the U.S. Senate race this year there are two ballot issues going forward that the LGBT community should be aware of. There could be a change in the way that judges are appointed. This change would mean that judicial appointments would be based more on politics rather than on merit. Another ballot issue that could appear this year would be a repeal of affirmative action.

    Indeed, there is potential for a banner year for the LGBT community from a legislative standpoint. LGBT Lobby Day 2010 is Wed., March 24 and is a chance for the community along with allies to come together to spread the word.

    "This is the opportunity for people to make sure that their voice is heard in Jefferson City," said Bockelman.