Webber legislation would end ‘legalization of discrimination’ based on sexual orientation

State Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Continuing on work from two previous legislative sessions, State Representative Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) filed a new piece of legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Webber says the legislation would provide legal protection for individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, from discrimination by employers, landlords and real estate professionals, financial institutions, and the state of Missouri.

The bill is in addition to the Missouri Non-Discrimination Act, and would add eliminating and preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation to the mission of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

“Many people don’t realize that in Missouri someone can be fired from their job or be evicted from their apartment simply for being gay. They assume it’s already illegal, but regrettably, that isn’t the case,” Webber said. “Last year, we moved this legislation further than it has ever gone, but I won’t stop pushing this bill until we end the legalization of discrimination in our state.”

48 members of the Missouri House of Representatives are cosponsoring the legislation, which Webber introduced Thursday.

Since 2008, Webber has sought anti-discrimination legislation. Last year, identical legislation made it through two committees, but was not heard in the Appropriations committee.

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