State of Missouri Archives: on Civil Rights
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Nancy Farmer:
Prosecute discrimination and fund desegregation
Principles which Farmer supports regarding affirmative action : - Missouri government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public and private sectors.
-
Q: Do you support state funding of desegregation programs for Missouri’s public schools?
A: Yes.
Source: 1996 Missouri National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1996
Nancy Farmer:
Recognize same-sex marriages
Principles which Farmer supports regarding gay rights : - Q: Do you believe that the Missouri government should recognize same-sex marriages?
A: Yes. -
Q: Do you believe that sexual orientation should be added to Missouri’s anti-discrimination laws?
A: Yes.
Source: 1996 Missouri National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1996
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021