Following a week of powerful testimony by LGBTQ and allied Missourians against multiple anti-equality bills in Jefferson City, PROMO, Missouri's statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization, is warning of two more bills on the move.
Here is a breakdown of the bills scheduled for committee hearings on Tuesday, February 25th:
On Tuesday, February 25th, at 8:00am, the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education is holding a hearing on HB 1565.
HB 1565 (Basye R-47) would deem LGBTQ content in our public schools “inappropriate,” allowing for parents to sue schools for including LGBTQ speakers and curriculum without explicit permission from parents. Inclusive curriculums teach a more accurate version of history, and including LGBTQ speakers, guests, and information in schools has a positive effect on students' self-image and overall world view.
On the same day, Tuesday, February 25th at 12:00pm, the Senate Education Committee is holding a hearing on SJR 50. The House version of this bill was already heard in committee earlier this week.
SJR50 (O’Laughlin R-18) would put the rights of transgender youth on the ballot in the 2020 election. Missourians would vote whether or not to amend our state constitution to require student athletes to participate in sports according to their sex assigned at birth. Transgender athletes participate in sports for the same reasons as everyone else — to learn good sportsmanship, get and stay healthy, be part of a team, and build a sense of belonging with their peers. Our laws should protect transgender youth, not encourage discrimination against them.
"Missouri has never seen this many anti-LGBTQ bills move all at once," Samati Niyomchai, PROMO Manager of Public Policy, wrote to supporters. "We need your help."
"Over the next several days and weeks, we are going to ask a lot of you," Niyomchai continued. "We are going to ask you to call committees, write letters, and ask everyone you know to do the same. Right now, we are working closely with individuals and families who simply need your love and encouragement."
Interested in keeping abreast of all LGBTQ legislation in the MIssouri General Assembly? Subscribe to PROMO's bill tracker.