Jeffrey Mittman, Executive Director of ACLU of Missouri, issued the following statement:
— It’s disappointing that extremist senators would use a rare procedural move to shut down debate and silence the voices of countless Missourians, including major corporations and the very people these officials represent, who have spoken out against the anti-LGBT SJR 39. This amendment would enshrine discrimination in our state constitution by allowing taxpayer-funded organizations like adoption and foster care agencies and homeless shelters to refuse serving LGBT families, in addition to countless other harmful consequences. This amendment raises serious constitutional concerns because it singles out same-sex couples for discrimination, notwithstanding the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell recognizing that same-sex couples enjoy the same constitutional right to marry as everyone else. In addition, the state cannot constitutionally prefer one set of religious beliefs (here, those opposed to marriage for same-sex couples) over contrary beliefs.
Discrimination has no place in our state, and we are resolved to continue to fight this proposal as it continues its way through the legislature. We salute the senators who courageously filibustered this hateful bill for a record-breaking 39 hours. The country is watching, and we will continue to fight until Missouri rejects the effort to make the right to openly discriminate a constitutional right in Missouri.