The Democrats' 39-hour filibuster in Missouri Senate ended when the Republicans used a parliamentary maneuver and passed a measure that prohibits any penalty against wedding vendors or groups that discriminate same-sex couples for religious beliefs.
In an effort to block the resolution supported by the Republican majority, several senators said they plan to go at least 24 hours filibustering. RT News reported that the filibuster of Senate Joint Resolution 39 on Monday began at 4 p.m. and the eight-member Democratic Caucus joined the action.
The resolution to amend Missouri's constitution passed 23-9 after the Republican majority caucus forced a vote. Lauren Hieger, communications director for the Missouri State Majority Caucus, said the amendment must be voted on again in the Senate next week before passing to the lower house. The legislation in Missouri is different than most since it involves amending the state's constitution, reports CNN. Many detractors have pointed out that the resolution is ultimately unnecessary.
Democrat Missouri Governor Jay Nixon commended the effort made by the Senate minority to block the resolution. Nixon underlined that 'rewriting' the state's constitution to condone discrimination would be contrary to the nation's values. He also claimed it is harmful to US economy. According to Reuters, the legislation is among the series of measures introduced in the nation by conservatives in response to the US Supreme Court's decision of legalizing same-sex marriage.
The measure seeks to protect businesses and religious groups from any fine or punishment if they decline to provide services such as flowers or wedding cakes to same-sex couples. Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union said it would be working very hard to fight the bill in Missouri's House of Representatives. The civil rights group added that the amendment passed by the Republicans raises serious constitutional concerns since it targets same-sex couples for discrimination.
