In the last 24 hours, Missouri Democrats have been nothing short of dazzling as they've stonewalled passage of Senate Joint Resolution 39 (SJR39), which would put fair treatment of LGBT citizens to a popular vote.
"I think this is so wrong at its core," Sen. Jill Schupp explained Tuesday to a Republican colleague on the floor, "we need to stop it right here."
The measure, which still requires House approval to go to ballot, would amend the state constitution to shield business owners from penalization if they refuse to provide “goods of expressional or artistic creation for a same sex wedding ceremony” (e.g. bakers and florists).
Democrats, led by Sens. Schupp, Kiki Curls, Jason Holsman, Joseph Keaveny, Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Jamilah Nasheed, and Scott Sifton, took control of the floor Monday at around 4:15 PM CT and were still continuing their filibuster as they passed the 24-hour mark Tuesday afternoon. (Chris Reeves has ongoing live updates here.)
Here are some highlights from these lawmakers’ passionate stand against a bill that they repeatedly pointed out would target same-sex couples for discrimination.