Legislators and LGBTQ+ advocates in Missouri gathered for a news conference to address legislation impacting the LGBTQ+ community and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the state. The Equality Caucus, consisting of five Democrats, led the conference, expressing frustration over House Speaker Jon Patterson’s refusal to recognize them as a caucus. One bill in particular, House Bill 1197, aims to protect private schools from civil liability for preventing transgender individuals from using their chosen restroom. The removal of DEI policies and the banning of funding for such initiatives by Governor Mike Kehoe has sparked backlash from the Equality Caucus and the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus. The latter condemned Kehoe’s executive order, stating that it would harm marginalized communities and hinder workforce diversity. Missouri Senate Republicans are also working on legislation to ban the teaching of critical race theory in public schools. The LGBTQ+ community and advocates continue to push for inclusive policies and oppose discriminatory measures in the state.
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