State of Missouri Archives: on Civil Rights


Angelica Earl: Full equality for LGBT

I stand up for the LGBT community because they are Americans. Whom they chose to love, and how they chose to identify, does nothing to invalidate their citizenship. I am willing to fight for their right to be treated as equals. Every American should be treated as an equal.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website AngelicaForMissouri.com Sep 15, 2017

Austin Petersen: Libertarian view pro-gay marriage

Petersen said he believes strongly in expanding this right to expression for everyone. He said he strongly supports the First Amendment and Second Amendment and said his ideal was gay married couples having the right to defend their marijuana farms with fully automatic machine guns.
Source: Southeast Arrow on 2018 Missouri Senatorial race Nov 17, 2017

Catherine Hanaway: No affirmative action in state employment or contracting

Q: Should state government agencies should take race and sex into account in. College and university admissions?

A: No.

Q: Public employment?

A: No.

Q: State contracting?

A: No.

Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Catherine Hanaway: No same-sex marriage; no gay hate crime laws

Q: Do you believe that the Missouri government should include sexual orientation in Missouri's anti-discrimination laws?

A: No.

Q: Do you believe that the Missouri government should recognize same-sex marriages?

A: No.

Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Catherine Hanaway: Support SJR39: Religious liberty trumps gay marriage

Eric Greitens now stands alone on SJR 39, at least among GOP candidates for governor. His three rivals for the GOP nomination--Peter Kinder, Catherine Hanaway and John Brunner--have all come out in support.

Opponents of the proposal say its passage could cost Missouri jobs as businesses and other organizations already are hinting of boycotts. Proponents of the measure say the state Constitution already protects members of the clergy from perming ceremonies that oppose their religious beliefs.

SJR 39 is backed by conservatives because they say it safeguards those who oppose gay marriage. Many Democrats oppose it precisely because they view the measure as a legal permit to discriminate against same-sex couples. Chris Koster, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, also opposes SJR 39.

Source: Kansas City Star on 2016 Missouri governor race Apr 19, 2016

Chris Koster: Equality and inclusion should include same-sex couples

Attorney General Chris Koster released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges: "The history of our country has always been one of moving toward inclusion and equality. I applaud the court for their courage and strong sense of fairness. Missourians should be seen as equals under the law; regardless of their gender, race, or whom they love."
Source: 2016 Missouri gubernatorial campaign website press reelase Jun 26, 2015

Chris Koster: Judges can allow same-sex marriage despite voter amendment

Koster was first out of the gate with his decision not to challenge the ruling of Jackson County Judge Dale Youngs, who said the state must recognize the marriages of same-sex couples wed in other states. Republican leaders quickly called on Koster to defend the state constitution, which voters amended in 2004 to ban same-sex marriages with 71% support.

Koster cited legal reasons to not weigh in. But conservatives smelled politics. They pointed to statements Koster made in June when he announced that he backs same-sex marriage. But he also acknowledged his obligation to "defend the laws of the state of Missouri," including its gay marriage ban, no matter what.

Koster's apparent pivot this month could be the result of the increasing pressure he's under from leaders of his own party.

Source: Kansas City Star on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race Oct 17, 2014

Chris Koster: Oppose SJR39: gay discrimination isn't religious liberty

Eric Greitens now stands alone on SJR 39, at least among GOP candidates for governor. His three rivals for the GOP nomination--Peter Kinder, Catherine Hanaway and John Brunner--have all come out in support.

Opponents of the proposal say its passage could cost Missouri jobs as businesses and other organizations already are hinting of boycotts. Proponents of the measure say the state Constitution already protects members of the clergy from perming ceremonies that oppose their religious beliefs.

SJR 39 is backed by conservatives because they say it safeguards those who oppose gay marriage. Many Democrats oppose it precisely because they view the measure as a legal permit to discriminate against same-sex couples. Chris Koster, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, also opposes SJR 39.

Source: Kansas City Star on 2016 Missouri governor race Apr 19, 2016

Chris Koster: Gay marriage is another step toward inclusion and equality

Here are reactions from politicians representing Missouri to the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage [which legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states]:

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, a Democrat: "The history of our country has always been one of moving toward inclusion and equality. I applaud the court for their courage and strong sense of fairness. Missourians should be seen as equals under the law; regardless of their gender, race, or whom they love."

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, a Democrat: "Today's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges is a major victory for equality and an important step toward a fairer and more just society for all Americans. No one should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love. In the coming days, I will be taking all necessary and appropriate actions to ensure this decision is implemented throughout the state of Missouri."

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, a Democrat: "SCOTUS has spoken! #Equality" (Twitter)

Source: Springfield News-Leader on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race Jun 26, 2015

Claire McCaskill: Women shouldn't get paid less simply because they're women

McCaskill said women in Akin's employ the past 12 years had earned an average of 23.4 percent less than men. "He supports the boss being able to decide whether or not you get paid less simply because you are a woman," she said.

Akin did not respond directly to McCaskill's assertion, but has said he believes pay should be left to the discretion of employers. Akin said McCaskill must share the blame for the slumping economy and growing national debt.

Source: Reuters on 2012 Missouri Senate debate Oct 19, 2012

Claire McCaskill: FactCheck: Akin's female staff are not paid as much as men

McCaskill's closing remarks included, "His women staff make 23% less than the men in his office." Does Akin underpay his female staff members?

The I-Team checked salary numbers. Over his 12 years in Congress, Akin paid men an average of $15,872 per quarter. Women on average made $12,152 per quarter. That is a difference of $3,720, or 31%--even bigger difference than McCaskill's campaign came up with. So on this claim, we say: true.

We did take a look at McCaskill's Senate staff salaries. We found she pays women an average of $24,405 per 6-month period. Men are paid an average of $23,966. That's a difference of $439, or 2%.

The I-Team asked Akin's office to weigh in on the discrepancies. His spokesman says there's no policy dictating a difference in pay between men and women on the staff. He also says the congressman's chief of staff is a woman who was hired as a front desk employee and promoted. The Akin camp also says right now, its female staff makes 14% more than the men.

Source: KSDK-5 TV FactCheck on 2012 Missouri Senate AdWatch debate Oct 26, 2012

Dave Schatz: LGBTQ nondiscrimination not at forefront of issues

The Missouri Nondiscrimination Act seeks to expand the list of characteristics in the Missouri Human Rights Act. MONA, as the nondiscrimination act is referred to, would add sexual orientation and gender identity to that list of characteristics. President Pro Tem Sen. Dave Schatz said the issue is not one that's been on the forefront of what he's engaged with, and "(the Senate) will take that as it comes."
Source: News Tribune on 2022 Missouri Senate race Jan 12, 2020

Dave Schatz: ERA really about abortion; Jesus would oppose it

In Missouri, anti-feminist activists leaned heavily on Republican legislators, using the scare word "abortion" in order to stoke opposition to equal rights. And sure enough, the Republican leader of the state Senate, Dave Schatz, came out against the ERA, saying that the "majority of this [amendment] is about abortion" and claiming that Jesus would oppose it. (Jesus' known positions on issues of human equality would suggest otherwise.)
Source: Salon.com on 2022 Missouri Senate race Apr 30, 2019

Eric Greitens: Anti-gay "religious liberty" amendment threatens jobs

Eric Greitens now stands alone on SJR 39, at least among GOP candidates for governor. Greitens came out against the controversial constitutional amendment that would legally shield people from selling services to same-sex couples. The state Senate has approved the proposal, and the Republican-led House is now considering it.

"I don't believe this legislation is the right approach," Greitens said in a statement. "I oppose SJR 39 because I believe that while it is well-intentioned, it could unintentionally threaten our economy and job creation. Here in Missouri, we are already 47th in job growth and 42nd in wage growth. We simply cannot afford more policies from Jeff City that have the potential to kill jobs."

His three rivals for the GOP nomination -- Peter Kinder, Catherine Hanaway and John Brunner -- have all come out in support. Chris Koster, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, also opposes SJR 39.

Source: Kansas City Star on 2016 Missouri governor race Apr 19, 2016

Eric Greitens: Stood with cops; restored law and order; defeated Antifa

Framing himself as a "fighter" and a stalwart backer of former President Donald Trump, Greitens unveiled his campaign during an interview on Fox News. "I was honored to serve the people of Missouri as their governor. We took on the establishment, we killed a politicians' pay raise, we ended a corrupt tax-credit program. And when antifa came to Missouri, we stood side-by-side with police officers and we were able to restore law and order and defeat antifa," he said.
Source: NBC News on 2022 Missouri Senate race Mar 22, 2021

Eric Schmitt: 1964 Civil Rights law doesn't protect LGBT people

In August 2019, Schmitt signed on to a brief before the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that federal law does not protect lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals from workplace discrimination under the 1964 Civil Rights law. As the Kansas City Star reported, "The brief, signed by Schmitt, contends federal law prohibits only sex discrimination and the plain meaning of 'sex' is biological status as male or female, not sexual orientation or gender identity.
Source: Riverfront Times on 2022 Missouri Senate race Apr 1, 2021

Gary Perry: Proposed porn blockers on devices; pay to opt out

A bill that appears to have been written by anti-porn crusader Chris Sevier was introduced in the Missouri legislature by Representative Jim Neely (R-Cameron). House Bill 2422 would require all Internet-connecting devices sold within the state to come with a porn blocker installed; consumers who want to opt out would have to pay for the privilege.
Source: Insurance Journal on Missouri voting record HB 2422 Jan 29, 2009

Jason Kander: SCOTUS has spoken: support gay marriage nationwide

Here are reactions from politicians representing Missouri to the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage [which legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states]:

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, a Democrat: "The history of our country has always been one of moving toward inclusion and equality. I applaud the court for their courage and strong sense of fairness. Missourians should be seen as equals under the law; regardless of their gender, race, or whom they love."

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, a Democrat: "Today's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges is a major victory for equality and an important step toward a fairer and more just society for all Americans. No one should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love. In the coming days, I will be taking all necessary and appropriate actions to ensure this decision is implemented throughout the state of Missouri."

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, a Democrat: "SCOTUS has spoken! #Equality" (Twitter)

Source: Springfield News-Leader on 2016 Missouri Senate race Jun 26, 2015

Jason Kander: Protect GLBT employees under nondiscrimination policy

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander announced that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees in his office will now be protected under the office's nondiscrimination policy. Sexual orientation and gender identity will be added to the list of other identifiers protected from discrimination and harassment.

"This is the right thing to do. Hiring and advancement decisions should be about an employee's performance and their potential, and I think we can all agree on that," Kander said. "An employee's sexual orientation should have no bearing on those types of decisions."

When he was a member of the Missouri House in 2011, the Democrat supported the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, which did not pass the legislature. Kander says such legislation would not only benefit LGBT employees but also companies and employers. "They're good for any organization," Kander said. "They boost morale, increase retention, and allow us, as an employer, to better compete for talent."

Source: KRCU Cape Girardeau on 2016 Missouri Senate race Apr 19, 2013

Jay Nixon: Partnership for Hope: for Missourians with disabilities

We've shown that we can work together to create better opportunities for all Missourians. Just look at what we're doing--together--to serve Missourians with disabilities and mental illness. In 2010, we passed landmark legislation to require insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders--and because of this law, 1.6 million Missourians have coverage for these proven treatments.

Our Partnership for Hope continues to be a tremendous and life-changing success for thousands of Missourians with developmental disabilities. My budget expands this vital program to even more Missourians, in more communities across the state. For years, thousands of Missourians with developmental disabilities were forced to wait months- often years--to get the in-home Medicaid services they needed. And now I'm proud to report, this year that waiting list will no longer exist. Our friends and neighbors will now get the life-changing services they need, when they need them.

Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Missouri legislature Jan 21, 2014

Jay Nixon: Combat employment & housing discrimination against LGBTs

In July, I signed an executive order to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision establishing a right to same-sex marriage. No one should be discriminated against because of who they love. We've come a long way on this issue, but there is more to be done. It is unacceptable that Missourians can still be fired for being gay. That's wrong, it's not who we are--and it must change. I repeat my call for the General Assembly to pass the Missouri Non-discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination against LGBT Missourians in employment, housing and public accommodations.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Missouri legislature Jan 20, 2016

Jay Nixon: Same-sex marriage is a major victory for equality

Here are reactions from politicians representing Missouri to the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage [which legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states]:

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, a Democrat: "The history of our country has always been one of moving toward inclusion and equality. I applaud the court for their courage and strong sense of fairness. Missourians should be seen as equals under the law; regardless of their gender, race, or whom they love."

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, a Democrat: "Today's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges is a major victory for equality and an important step toward a fairer and more just society for all Americans. No one should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love. In the coming days, I will be taking all necessary and appropriate actions to ensure this decision is implemented throughout the state of Missouri."

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, a Democrat: "SCOTUS has spoken! #Equality" (Twitter)

Source: Springfield News-Leader on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race Jun 26, 2015

John Brunner: Let clergy choose to decline to perform gay marriages

Eric Greitens now stands alone on SJR 39, at least among GOP candidates for governor. His three rivals for the GOP nomination--Peter Kinder, Catherine Hanaway and John Brunner--have all come out in support.

Opponents of the proposal say its passage could cost Missouri jobs as businesses and other organizations already are hinting of boycotts. Proponents of the measure say the state Constitution already protects members of the clergy from perming ceremonies that oppose their religious beliefs.

SJR 39 is backed by conservatives because they say it safeguards those who oppose gay marriage. Many Democrats oppose it precisely because they view the measure as a legal permit to discriminate against same-sex couples. Chris Koster, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, also opposes SJR 39.

Source: Kansas City Star on 2016 Missouri governor race Apr 19, 2016

Lester Turilli: Equal opportunity for women and minorities

Q: Your comments on the statement, "Legally require hiring more women and minorities"?

A: Women and minorities should have equal opportunity for employment. As a small business owner, I understand all issues and situations surrounding the hiring of employees.

Source: Email interview on 2016 Missouri candidacy by OnTheIssues Apr 25, 2016

Mark McClosky: Sued to enforce unmarried couple rule against gay couple

They already had a long and well-documented history of litigation, threats and neighborhood feuds. They were locked in litigation to make their neighborhood association enforce a rule against unmarried couples residing there. [A neighbor] said they only cared because a gay couple had moved into the exclusive neighborhood.

"Certain people on Portland Place, for political reasons, wanted to make it a gay issue," Mark McCloskey told The Post-Dispatch.

Source: The Jewish Daily Forward on 2022 Missouri Senate race Aug 24, 2021

Mike Parson: Gay people go to hell, but don't discriminate on earth

Parson has cleared up concerns about his views on gay rights after having suggested last year that he believed gay people go to hell. "I don't believe in discrimination against anyone," he said at a recent gathering in Springfield. Parson went on to explain that he does not believe in a gay life but that people who do should be free from discrimination, the Springfield News-Leader reported.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 2018 Missouri Gubernatorial race Jun 21, 2018

Mike Parson: Governor bans reporters from briefings, questions by email

Parson's ban on reporters from daily state capitol briefings represents an assault on Missourians' First Amendment rights, PEN America said. Said Nora Benavidez, director of U.S. free expression programs. "His mandate that press may only submit questions in advance of briefings makes it impossible for journalists to question policies announced in the briefings and, alarmingly, allows Gov. Parson's staff to pick and choose which questions the he will answer at all."
Source: PEN America on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race Apr 14, 2020

Mike Parson: Overlooking minority, women businesses during health crisis

State Rep. Alan Green wants Parson to stop overlooking minority-owned businesses in the manufacture and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. "I have received communications that concerned me about the lack of effort being made to pursue business opportunities with Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise companies during the state's massive COVID-19 response," Green wrote in a letter.
Source: St. Louis American on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race Apr 14, 2020

Mike Parson: OpEd:Exempting church from coronavirus rules could be deadly

Parson's decision to exempt houses of worship from his ban on gatherings of more than 10 people is unwise and dangerous -- and as a Baptist minister, I wish Parson would eliminate the religious exception in order to save lives. While Parson encourages churches to avoid gatherings of 10 or more, he hasn't shut them down as other states have. Parson's religious exemption sends the wrong message and could prove deadly.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race Mar 25, 2020

Mike Parson: Allowed Roman goddess statue to return to Capitol dome

A 1,400-pound bronze statue of Ceres, the ancient Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, was returned to its perch atop the state Capitol building after a year of renovation. State Rep. Mike Moon decried the move as sacrilegious and tried to stop it. Parson did not respond to the appeal and pronounced the statue "pretty," adding that a slight delay in replacing it would allow Missourians to see a piece of the state's history up close before it was hoisted aloft to the dome.
Source: Patheos.com on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race Feb 3, 2020

Mike Parson: Moves primary due to virus, won't extend voter registration

Municipal elections in Missouri will be held June 2 instead of the regular election date of April 7, Parson ordered as part of the state's effort to control the spread of the coronavirus. The order directs local election authorities to maintain some dates for the election process, so voter registration, which closed March 11, will not be re-opened. And the date for declaring write-in candidacies will remain March 27 and only people who will be 18 or older by April 7 will be allowed to vote.
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race Feb 3, 2020

Nancy Farmer: Prosecute discrimination and fund desegregation

Source: 1996 Missouri National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1996

Nancy Farmer: Recognize same-sex marriages

Source: 1996 Missouri National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1996

Nicole Galloway: All marriages deserve to be respected

Q: Support same-sex marriage and protection from discrimination in employment, education, adoption, credit, housing, and public services?

Nicole Galloway: Yes. "All marriages deserve to be respected." Called Supreme Court decision to protect LGBTQ Americans "an enormous win for equality and fairness."

Mike Parson: Mixed. Has said "I'm old school. I know what's going to happen to these people." "I don't believe in discrimination." "Anyone [who] chooses to live that, that's their choice."

Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race Nov 3, 2020

Peter Kinder: No federal say over trans-gendered bathroom laws

Peter Kinder issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit against North Carolina over enforcement of the state's so-called "bathroom law":

"By inserting itself into North Carolina's lawmaking, the Obama Justice Department is overstepping its authority in violation of the 10th Amendment to the Constitution. It justifies this overreach by unilaterally redefining federal anti-discrimination law, something only Congress has the authority to do. The Attorney General and her DOJ cohorts are threatening action against North Carolina for the 'crime' of wanting to designate bathrooms in government buildings for men and women only. If the federal government can force states to bow to its command over bathroom policies, is there anything beyond its reach? I stand with North Carolina and Gov. Pat McCrory, to stand up to this federal abuse of power. This issue goes way beyond North Carolina. It is an unprecedented assault on our privacy and safety."

Source: 2016 Missouri gubernatorial campaign website PeterKinder.com May 10, 2016

Scott Sifton: 40 hour filibuster of proposal against marriage equality

In the Senate, he led a record 40-hour filibuster of an amendment attacking marriage equality. He also fought to ban lobbyist gifts to legislators, expand Medicaid and protect victims of rape, domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Source: 2021 Missouri Senate campaign website ScottSifton.com Jun 29, 2021

Todd Akin: Women's pay should be left to discretion of employers

McCaskill said women in Akin's employ the past 12 years had earned an average of 23.4 percent less than men. "He supports the boss being able to decide whether or not you get paid less simply because you are a woman," she said.

Akin did not respond directly to McCaskill's assertion, but has said he believes pay should be left to the discretion of employers. Akin said McCaskill must share the blame for the slumping economy and growing national debt.

Source: Reuters on 2012 Missouri Senate debate Oct 19, 2012

Todd Akin: No policy to pay female staff less than men (but he does)

McCaskill's closing remarks included, "His women staff make 23% less than the men in his office." Does Akin underpay his female staff members?

The I-Team checked salary numbers. Over his 12 years in Congress, Akin paid men an average of $15,872 per quarter. Women on average made $12,152 per quarter. That is a difference of $3,720, or 31%--even bigger difference than McCaskill's campaign came up with. So on this claim, we say: true.

We did take a look at McCaskill's Senate staff salaries. We found she pays women an average of $24,405 per 6-month period. Men are paid an average of $23,966. That's a difference of $439, or 2%.

The I-Team asked Akin's office to weigh in on the discrepancies. His spokesman says there's no policy dictating a difference in pay between men and women on the staff. He also says the congressman's chief of staff is a woman who was hired as a front desk employee and promoted. The Akin camp also says right now, its female staff makes 14% more than the men.

Source: KSDK-5 TV FactCheck on 2012 Missouri Senate AdWatch debate Oct 26, 2012

Tony Monetti: Value diversity and America's melting pot of cultures

Our Founding Fathers recognized the value of working together towards a common goal as a team. We must hold our elected officials accountable for workable, sustainable solutions. We must, as a country, value diversity and the melting pot of cultures that make us both strong and uniquely American. We must find common ground and build bridges as AMERICANS. One way we can do this is to develop both private and public partnerships to tackle tough problems while preserving the values of altruism, compassion, and basic human decency and tolerance.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial campaign website monetti4senate.com Feb 22, 2018

Vicky Hartzler: Opposed transgender soldiers service & Equality Act

Hartzler's House tenure has been marked by her staunchly conservative stances on social issues. She championed an effort to restrict transgender soldiers from serving in the military and has spoken against the Equality Act, which would establish national anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2022 Missouri Senate race Jun 10, 2021

Vicky Hartzler: Supported clerk refusing to issue same sex marriage licenses

In 2004 she served as spokeswoman for the Coalition to Protect Marriage in Missouri, which successfully campaigned for a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Following the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, Hartzler was the only member of the Missouri delegation to issue a statement in support of Kim Davis, clerk of Rowan County, Ky., who refused to comply with court orders directing her to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Source: KTTN-FM 92.3/KGOZ on 2022 Missouri Senate race Jun 14, 2021

Trudy Busch Valentine: All have right to live with authentic sexual orientation

With Congress considering legislation legalizing same-sex marriage, the candidates were asked whether they would support prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. "All people should have the right to live the authentic life they want to live," Valentine said.

Libertarian Party candidate Jonathan Dine agreed that LGBTQ Americans should be able to live freely without fear of persecution. "If you're in the public marketplace and you're selling goods or services," he said, "you have no right to discriminate against somebody based on their race, color, gender or sexual orientation."

Constitution Party candidate Paul Venable said Congress doesn't have the constitutional authority to prohibit anti-LGBTQ discrimination. That, he said, is the job of states.

Source: St. Louis Public Radio on 2022 Missouri Senate race Sep 17, 2022

Jay Ashcroft: Opposes Respect for Marriage Act

Ashcroft said he is "flabbergasted" Sen. Roy Blunt supports a bill adding federal legal protections to same-sex marriages. Ashcroft sent Blunt a letter asking him to reverse his stance and work to block the Respect for Marriage Act from becoming law. Ashcroft noted that Missouri's Constitution defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman and Blunt should honor the 70% of Missourians who voted to add that language to the constitution in 2004.
Source: Missouri Independent on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race Nov 29, 2022

Jay Ashcroft: Against anti-bias law, we're all discriminated against

The secretary of state said he doesn't support the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, or MONA, which would outlaw discrimination in employment, housing, financial services and public accommodations because of a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. "We ought to be nice to everybody," Ashcroft said. "We're all discriminated against all the time.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race Apr 6, 2023

Mike Kehoe: Voted in favor of LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws

Kehoe voted for legislation that had language in it that allows people to sue if they were fired, denied housing or barred from public accommodations because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. While Kehoe noted that the bill was a part of a "larger deal to move something through the Senate," he said the Republican Party needs to be more aligned with younger people who support anti-LGBTQ discrimination.
Source: St. Louis Public Radio on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race May 18, 2023

Crystal Quade: Opposed ban on transgender girls and women in women's sports

She has decried the bevy of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation moving through the legislature, which includes bills that would, among other things, ban gender affirming care for minors and transgender girls and women from participating in women's sports.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race Apr 12, 2023

Crystal Quade: State ban on funding entities embracing DEI is asinine

The House spent almost five hours passing the 15 budget bills. Each had an amendment prohibiting the state to allocate funds or do business with entities embracing DEI. Quade expressed frustration with the "asinine amendment." "There are so many things that folks ask us to do and instead we are spending hours talking about these divisive concepts that the Republicans just run with to win their elections," Quade said.
Source: The Center Square on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race Mar 31, 2023

Eric Schmitt: Enforce Court decision ending college affirmative action

On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court struck a blow against institutionally-driven racism in the United States. In Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College, the Supreme Court found [that colleges with affirmative action admissions] were impermissibly discriminating against certain applicants based exclusively on their race.

While the Court took a big step forward in eliminating racial discrimination in admissions, more work remains to be done. In his remarks in the wake of the landmark decision, President Biden proposed "a new standard, where colleges take into account the adversity a student has overcome, including racial discrimination that individuals have faced in their own lives."

We call upon the Biden administration to embrace the Court's holdings: racial discrimination [does not] have any place in schooling. The American people deserve no less than an Executive Branch committed to enforcing the law equally to all people without concern for their race.

Source: Ernst.Senate.Gov press release:for 2022 Missouri Senate race Sep 12, 2023

Jay Ashcroft: Banning biological males from women's sports is a priority

While the legislature did pass a ban on biological males competing in women's sports, they allowed it to expire in four years. As the father of a young daughter, I testified before the legislature for a permanent ban because I think every female deserves to have their rights and opportunities protected. As Governor this will be a priority.
Source: 2024 Gubernatorial campaign website AshcroftForMissouri.com Dec 4, 2023

Karla May: Chair of the State Senate Minority Caucus

Currently, Sen. May is the Minority Caucus chair and serves on Appropriations; Commerce Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment; Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence; Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics; Joint Committee on Child Abuse & Neglect; Joint Committee on the Justice System; Joint Committee on Public Assistance; Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment; Interim Committee on Elections; Interim Committee on Greater St. Louis Regional Emerging Issues; Interim Committee on Medicaid Accountability and Taxpayer Protection and also appointed by the governor to the Missouri Justice Reinvestment Initiative.
Source: 2024 Missouri Senate campaign website senate.mo.gov Aug 8, 2024

Bill Eigel: America is not racist; no Critical Race Theory

Q: EQUALITY: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

A: No; America is not a racist country.

Q: I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist?

A: Strongly Disagree

Q: Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison?

A: Strongly Agree. I co-sponsored the Save Women's Sport Act, which banned biological males from competing in girl's sports. As the father of a daughter, I understand just how important it is to protect female spaces.

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race Aug 8, 2024

Josh Hawley: Urged NCAA to ban transgender athletes from women's sports

22 U.S. Senators sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging him to update its student-athlete policy to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The senators wrote: "Amid the Biden-Harris administration's unprecedented assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women's sports."

The NCAA updated its policy in 2022 on transgender athletes, aligning itself with Olympic standard. The NCAA requires transgender athletes to give documentation that meets sports standards for testosterone levels at three points in time:

  1. Prior to any competition during the regular season;
  2. Prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship event; and
  3. Prior to any competition in the non-championship segment.
A CNN report estimates there are fewer than 40 transgender athletes among more than 500,000 athletes.
Source: CBS-2-Iowa's Tyler Downey on 2026 Missouri Senate race Aug 8, 2024

  • The above quotations are from State of Missouri Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Civil Rights.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2024 Presidential contenders on Civil Rights:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026