Missouri Version of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Heard Before Senate Committee
February 8, 2023 6:21AM CST
FILE – Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz delivers opening remarks during the start of the annual legislative session on Wednesday, Jan, 5, 2022, in Jefferson City, Mo. The Missouri Senate remained divided over a congressional redistricting plan Tuesday, Feb. 8 as a filibuster from conservatives pushing for an aggressively Republican map carried on through a second day and Democrats raised concerns that they were being treated unfairly. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb, File)
(MISSOURINET) – A Missouri Senate committee is considering a bill that would bar school personnel from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with ANY K-12 public or charter school student without prior permission from a parent or guardian.
Sarah Fessler of central Missouri’s Wardsville testified in favor of the bill – she says her child began identifying as both gay and trans after speaking with a school counselor:
Opponents testified that the bill seeks to “erase” gay and trans kids, along with the whole LGBTQ community, from existence.
Senator Greg Razer of Jackson County spoke on how this bill affects him personally as an openly gay man.
A vote on the bill is expected later.
