Missourians for Equality begin campaign for anti-discrimination ballot measure

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Missouri may have to have the talk. The one where Missourians decide if they’re willing to extend discrimination protection to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The Riverfront Times reports that Missourians for Equality is circulating petitions for an anti-discrimination ballot initiative in 2014.

The proposed ballot language from the political action committee would add sexual orientation and gender identity to protected groups under the Missouri Fairness and Housing Initiative with the qualifying statement that the proposed extension shall not place “a substantial burden” on a religious organization or representatives’ “sincerely held beliefs.”

Kansas City is one of several cities in Missouri (Springfield recently tabled a proposed ordinance) that prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 2010, Gov. Jay Nixon signed an executive order for an anti-discrimination measure covering jobs in the state executive branch. While anti-discrimination legislation has been introduced in the Missouri Legislature, it has never been taken to the floor for a vote. Missourians for Equality will need to secure approximately 150,000 signatures for its petition to be placed on the ballot.