Senate Committee hears sexual orientation non-discrimination bill
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Senate Committee hears sexual orientation non-discrimination bill

Date: January 27, 2016
By: Shannon Shaver
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
A Missouri Senate committee heard arguments on whether to include sexual orientation in the state's civil rights law.
RunTime: 0:38
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The issue involves a bill that would include both sexual orientation and gender identity in the law prohibiting discrimination.

The sponsor is the Senate's Democratic leader, Joe Keaveny.

Actuality:  KEAVENYB.WAV
Run Time: 00:14
Description: The overall atmosphere regarding this bill nationwide, I believe has allowed us to get to a point where Missouri can take a step forward and accept this.

More than 15 witnesses showed support for the bill and four opposed it at the Senate Progress Committee hearing. The committee did not take an immediate vote on the bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon Shaver.

Intro: 
A Senate committee heard a bill to prohibit discrimination based on a person sexual orientation or gender identity.
RunTime: 0:44
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: General counsel for Missouri's Chamber of Commerce voiced opposition because it would add another protected class for business.

But a number of others spoke in support including representatives from the attorney general’s office, planned parenthood and Steph Perkins, the Interim Director of a Missouri organization focused on promoting LGBT equality.

Actuality:  PERKINSA.WAV
Run Time: 00:11
Description: We know based on the study, but also based on calls that we receive at our office across the state, that people face discrimination in employment and housing and public accommodations.

The bill lists unlawful housing practices, denial of loans or other financial assistance and unlawful employment practices as forms of discrimination.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon Shaver.

Intro: 
A gay-rights bill for Missouri came under attack from one of the state's largest business organizations.
RunTime: 0:37
OutCue: SOC

Wrap: The opposition was voiced at a Senate Progress Committee hearing on a bill to include both sexual orientation and gender identify in the state's anti-discrimination law.

Among those voicing opposition was the general counsel for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Brian Bunten.

Actuality:  BUNTENA.WAV
Run Time: 00:11
Description: Until the discrimintaion standard is changed from the contributing standard, to the motivating standard, we cannot support any more protected classes to the list on the MHRA.

On the other side, the bill's sponsor Joe Keaveny said the national atomsphere on gay rights is changing.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon Shaver.