Senate Democrats Lead Marathon Filibuster on 'Religious Freedom' Bill
- GGFM
- Mar 21, 2016
- 1 min read
The repercussions of an almost 40-hour filibuster in the Missouri Senate two weeks ago continued to be felt as the Senate came to a halt before the legislature started Spring Break last Thursday. The filibuster, which was the longest in the state's recent history, was an attempt to block the passage of SJR 39, sponsored by Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake St. Louis).
This resolution, upon voter approval, would amend the state Constitution to allow clergy, businesses or individuals to refuse to provide goods or services for same-sex marriages. Senate Republicans broke the filibuster with a procedural maneuver called the Previous Question, which ends debate and forces a vote. The resolution was passed to the House where it awaits referral to a committee. After the Previous Question was used, Senate Democrats stalled debate in the Chamber for about a week. The General Assembly is now on Spring Break until March 29.
The filibuster put Missouri in the center of national news coverage. Below is a sample of the news stories:
Los Angeles Times: Missouri GOP Defeats 39-hour Filibuster to Pass Bill Criticized as Anti-Gay
NY Daily News: Missouri Democrats' Filibuster of Anti-Gay 'Religious Liberty' Bill Ends After Nearly 40 Hours
Washington Post: Mo. Democrats Filibuster Religious Freedom Bill that Critics Say Could Discriminate Against Gays
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