A coalition of more than 60 businesses in Missouri including some of the state's biggest employers have joined forces to express their opposition to a "religious liberty" measure that would ultimately grant businesses a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people. The State Senate-approved initiative currently being debated in the House, if passed, would bypass the governor and let voters choose whether to amend the state constitution to allow businesses to decline services based on religious opposition to same-sex marriage. Summer Ballentine reports:
Agricultural giant Monsanto, prescription drug benefits manager Express Scripts, and pet food maker Nestle Purina are among employers to join the recently formed Missouri Competes, according to gay rights advocacy group PROMO, which released the list just hours before a House committee heard testimony from business, sports and religious groups. Dozens crammed in the Capitol basement for the late-night hearing. [...]
St. Louis-based Monsanto has criticized the measure as an economic hindrance. Lobbyist Duane Simpson noted the company includes gender identity and sexual orientation in its non-discrimination policy and backs adopting similar policies statewide.
"We have employees who are members of the LGBT community, and, frankly, we're going to stand up for them," Simpson said during the hearing.
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce has also opposed the measure, noting Indiana's loss of business following last year’s passage of its "religious freedom" bill ensuring the right to discriminate against LGBTQ Americans.
Not to mention the fact that North Carolina's downward spiral and Mississippi boycotts likely don't seem all that appealing to Missouri businesses. This bill is the same one that Missouri Senate Democrats staged a heroic nearly 40-hour filibuster against last month.