Route
***The Starting point for the march will be at Market &18th in front of the Union Station. Once assembled, we will then march and rally to Market & Tucker to the park next to Soldiers Memorial. **
Why?
LGBTQIA rights are under attack, so what will we do? Stand up, and fight back!
What is under attack?
1. Queer & Trans People of Color face the compounded threats of transphobia / anti-queer bigotry and racism. People living with intersecting oppressed identities often receive some of the worst treatment at the hands of the police, as well as the community as a whole. Additionally, access to healthcare, housing, and simply staying alive is a task.
2. Workplace protections and prosperity for LGBTQIA individuals are under threat as a result of anti-worker (so-called "Right to Work") legislation. Right now in Missouri, unions serve as the last protection against sexual and gender discrimination at work, through collectively bargained contracts they create. When unions are attacked, so are marginalized groups who are represented by them.
3. Currently, there are 5 different anti-LGBTQ bills being considered in Jefferson City. These bills will impact the LGBTQ Community throughout our state. You can find summaries of them below.
On 2/25/17 we will gather on the steps of the Old Courthouse and let our voices be heard. Everyone is invited to stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA Missourians.
We will have speakers who will talk specifically about issues impacting the LGBTQ Community. We will also have groups on hand to develop next steps as we continue to stand up and fight back!
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ANTI-LGBTQ BILLS UNDER CONSIDERATION BY MISSOURI STATE GOVT
The two anti-trans bills include restricting public restroom and school restroom use by transgender individuals. These bills are:
SB 98 (Sen. Emery)
HB 202 (Rep. Pogue)
There are two bills focusing on marriage:
HB 205 (Rep. Pogue) which reads:
Allows a person authorized to solemnize marriages to refuse to solemnize a marriage which is contrary to the religious beliefs or sincerely held moral convictions of such person.
HB 62 (Rep. Barry) which reads:
Changes the laws regarding marriage and replaces marriage licenses with contracts of domestic union.
There are two bills focusing on religious exemptions:
SB 252 (Sen. Dixon) which reads:
Under current law, corporations and associations owned and operated by religious or sectarian groups are exempted from the Missouri Human Rights Act. This act exempts corporations or associations owned and operated by religious or sectarian organizations.
HB 642 (Sen. Kelly) which reads:
Prohibits public institutions of higher learning from discriminating against a religious student organization or denying a religious student association any benefit available to any other student association
Other Bills PROMO is Watching:
These bills undermine the Human Rights Act:
SB 43 (Sen. Romine)
HB 550 (Rep. McGaugh)
HB 552 (Rep. Austin)
HB 676 (Rep. Plocher)