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MO religious-objections measure voted down

Posted at 2:04 PM, Apr 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-28 11:33:23-04

A contested Missouri measure to protect businesses that deny services for same-sex weddings has been voted down.

The measure failed to advance Wednesday on a 6-6 vote in a House committee. It had previously passed the Senate.

The legislation drew opposition from LGBT rights activists and some business leaders, who cited economic backlash in other states with laws perceived as discriminatory toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

If the measure passed the Legislature, it would have gone to voters to decide whether to amend the Missouri Constitution to bar government penalties against businesses that cite religion while denying some services for same-sex weddings.

The contentious bill led to opposition from various groups.

According to the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, about 200 businesses with ties to the metro area came out against the religious freedom bill.

Samurai Woodworks owner David Bayard, who has run the company for 35 years, was one of those who voiced opposition to the plan.

"It's purposely anti everything America stands for," he explained. "I read [the bill] and said, 'This is disguised discrimination.'"

Bayard said the religious freedom bill goes against many pillars of faith.

"It seems to me the whole idea of it is uncharitable, inhospitable and very un-Christian," he said.

Pastor Phil Hopper of the Abundant Life Church in Lee's Summit supports the bill. Hopper claims he is not against gay marriage, but he believes more should be done to protect the rights of religious people.

"[The bill] protects the rights of gay and lesbian people to marry in Missouri, but also protects the rights of people with faith not to participate," he explained.

Hopper said religious freedom is protected under the Constitution, but people of faith are being punished for sharing their beliefs.

"The First Amendment protects their right to live out their faith 24/7, 365 and not check their faith at the door," Hopper said.

Hopper added that many supporters of the bill in the metro area are afraid to voice their opinion.

"There is support, but very few people are willing to talk openly about it," he said. "Nobody wants to be framed as a bigot."

Thursday's vote does not mean the fight over the religious freedom bill is over. State leaders who support the measure could file a "discharge petition," which would require 55 votes from the House. The petition would allow the bill to override the committee and instead be sent to the House floor for a vote.

It is unknown at this time if Republican leaders plan to use this maneuver.

Statements on SJR 39: 

“The House Emerging Issues Committee is to be commended for declining to advance Senate Joint Resolution 39. I know this was difficult decision for many committee members and that pressure was intense from all sides.

“The ultimate issue here is whether our state constitution protects all Missourians or grants special rights to some to detriment of others. In the years to come, I am confident today’s action will be remembered as being on the right side of history.”

House Minority Leader Jake Hummel

 

D-St. Louis

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"We are grateful to the Emerging Issues committee for searching their hearts, listening to both sides of this issue, and doing the right thing today by opposing SJR 39. We look forward to our continued to work to ensure that every Missourian, including those who are gay and transgender, have the same opportunities to work hard, provide for their families, succeed."

Steph Perkins, Executive Director of PROMO, Missouri's statewide advocacy organization promoting equal treatment under the law for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. 

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“I’m deeply disappointed that a handful of legislators prevented "We The People", the citizens of Missouri, our right to vote to protect our 1st Amendment religious freedoms. I look forward to working to protect all of Missourians’ Constitutional rights, including 1st Amendment rights, as Missouri's next Governor.” 

Missouri governor candidate John Brunner

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“The fact that SJR39 could not pass out of Committee gives me hope that the Missouri House has finally recognized how misguided and dangerous this bill could be. I’m glad common sense has at least temporarily prevailed so that our city can continue to attract tourists and competitive events, while maintaining our status as a friendly and dynamic place to live, work, and play. The battle is not yet over, however, as some legislators are apparently still oblivious to the consequences other states have seen that have passed similar legislation. There is no reason to continue embarrassing ourselves by keeping this bad idea alive.”

Kansas City Mayor Sly James

 
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.

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