House Approves Making Workplace Discrimination Tougher to Prove, Sends to Governor
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House Approves Making Workplace Discrimination Tougher to Prove, Sends to Governor

Date: May 8, 2017
By: Jack Morrisroe
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 43

Intro: 
Workplace discrimination would be more difficult to prove in Missouri under a measure approved by the General Assembly
RunTime: 0:34
OutCue: SOC

Wrap: St. Louis County Representative Dean Plocher said the measure would not stop clear discrimination cases from being won.

Actuality:  PLOCHER.WAV
Run Time: 00:08
Description: Take it to the jury. Let them decide. I think a lot of these heinous facts that are plead would go to a jury and I think a jury would come to the right conclusions.

Opponents said the measure would allow more discrimination without recourse.

The bill will be sent to Governor Eric Greitens, who may decide if the measure becomes law. He has supported business-friendly judicial changes, but has not referred to this measure specifically.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

Intro: 
Raising the bar to prove workplace discrimination met fierce resistance from Democrats and some Republicans
RunTime: 0:33
OutCue: SOC

Wrap: St. Louis City Representative Bruce Franks said the measure reinforces systematic challenges for African-Americans and women.

Actuality:  FRANKS3.WAV
Run Time: 00:05
Description: Well the judicial system looks a little different when you look like me. That's one thing we can't get away from.

Supporters said the measure would help Missouri businesses avoid frivolous lawsuits.

The bill would change jury instructions from discrimination being 'a contributing factor' to 'the motivating factor,' which would be more difficult to prove.

The measure was sent to the governor for final approval.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

Intro: 
A measure to protect sexual orientation and identity in Missouri's discrimination law was pulled after House discussion
RunTime: 0:42
OutCue: SOC

Wrap: St. Charles Republican Representative Tom Hannegan said he was gay and not protected in the state.

Actuality:  HANNEGAN.WAV
Run Time: 00:09
Description: When we don't have the basic right of housing and employment, the bar's not even set. The bar's not even there.

Opponents said the measure would take freedom away from people whose religions do not approve of homosexuality and transgenderism.

The amendment was added onto a bill to make discrimination more difficult to prove. It was withdrawn after its sponsor asked for the measure to be brought up as its own bill next year.

Workers can currently be fired for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in Missouri.

Reporting from the state Captiol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.