Even after back-to-back state and federal court victories declaring Missouri’s 2004 ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, some Jefferson City politicians are scrambling to find ways to oppose marriage equality in our state.
Last week, Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) introduced a bill that would make issuing same-sex marriage licenses a fireable offense. SB 555 specifically targets local officials by threatening their employment for issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
SB 555 is a desperate attempt to halt the undeniable momentum behind marriage equality in Missouri.
"Same-sex marriage licenses are currently being issued in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jackson County, Mo., following back-to-back state and federal court decisions declaring Missouri’s 2004 ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. In Oct. 2014, a Jackson County decision recognized same-sex marriages performed in other states." -LGBTQNation
Sen. Emery is standing on the wrong side of history with this bill - no Missourian should fear for their job because they support same-sex marriage.