This Week’s Legislative Column for Senator Mike Cunningham

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Protecting the Original American Dream

This week in the Missouri Senate was defined by an intense battle for the protection of Missourians’ religious liberties. In an attempt to block the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 39, legislation that protects religious organizations’ and private individuals’ right to recognize their sincere religious beliefs, the minority caucus launched into a 39-hour filibuster that forestalled the Senate’s legislative process.

Even after the resolution was perfected at the end of this state record-setting filibuster, SJR 39 proponents had yet another day-long battle to successfully third read and pass the legislation out of the Senate. I am very happy to announce that SJR 39 was finally passed on to the House in the evening hours of Thursday, March 10. If the resolution is successfully passed through the House, it will be put on the ballot in August or November as an amendment to the State Constitution, where it will then be decided on by the citizens of Missouri.

The proposed constitutional amendment would be a big step toward protecting religious practices and beliefs in our state. The resolution prohibits the state of Missouri from imposing any penalties against religious organizations and certain private individuals as a result of their sincere religious beliefs concerning same-sex marriage. Specifically, the defensive legislation protects religious organizations (churches, religious schools, religious leaders, etc.) from being penalized for refusing to acknowledge, facilitate or perform same-sex marriages. Churches, synagogues, temples, etc. would be allowed to say no to hosting marriage ceremonies and receptions on their premises without fear of state persecution.

The resolution would also prohibit the state from penalizing certain vendors who refuse to offer artistic and creative services for weddings – like bakers, photographers and florists. Private individuals should not have to fear being fined for abiding by their religious beliefs, and this legislation helps uphold that ideal.
The right to religious freedom was the founding principle of our entire country. Senate Joint Resolution 39 works as a shield to ensure that Missouri’s religious organizations, leaders and private individuals are able to enjoy the same inherent right our forefathers dreamed America would uphold. So many residents of the 33rd District have been contacting me and asking that I do all I can toward getting this legislation onto the ballot, and I appreciate the opportunity this week has given me to successfully achieve that goal. This resolution is a big step forward in the right direction for the Show-Me state. Now, SJR 39 will work its way through the House and onto the ballot for Missouri voters to decide on, and I am confident the citizens of our great state will make the right choice.

As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.