A proposal from a lesbian Senator to ban sexual orientation discrimination faces conflicting testimony
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A proposal from a lesbian Senator to ban sexual orientation discrimination faces conflicting testimony

Date: April 9, 2014
By: Shannon O'Brien
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 962

Intro: 
A lesbian Senator proposed a measure that would outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The measure would add sexual orientation to the state's law banning discrimination.

Jay Atkins for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industy said the chamber does not support legislation that would expose Missouri businesses to increased lawsuits.

But, Senator Jolie Justus said that arguement should be dismissed because the numbers do not support it.

Actuality:  JUSTUS3.WAV
Run Time:  00:12
Description: "If firms like my firm -- who are very strong defense firms can support this type of legislation who can support these types of discrimination policies -- it shows that this is not about opening up a can of worms for lawsuits."
 

The committee took no immediate action on the measure.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.

Intro: 
An openly lesbian Senator pushes for a bill that would add sexual orientation to Missouri's anti-discrimination law.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Senator Jolie Justus said she sponsors the measure because people all over the country cannot talk about their personal life at work. 

Actuality:  JUSTUS4.WAV
Run Time:  00:16
Description: "They are wasting their time, their resources, their productive work life trying to hide who they are. And, all this law does is it says that you cannot be fired based on the fact that you chose to love someone who is your own sex."

But, some opponents of the bill people said they feel the measure would create more lawsuits because it would be difficult to identify who is gay and who is not.

The committee took no immediate action on the measure.  

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.