Bill Will Legalize Anti-Gay Discrimination in State Constitution

Missouri Senate Republicans have just employed a tactic used mostly by the House and bulldozed a vote on SJR 39, anÂ anti-gay “religious freedom” bill that would write discrimination into the state constitution.Â

At about 7:30 AM local time, Republicans broke the filibuster Missouri’s eight Democratic senators had waged since Monday at 4:00 PM, even going so far as to literally silence the Democrats:

@ScottSifton has privileged superseding motion They have silenced his mic and refuse to acknowledge him #NotInMyState #SJR39 #mosenatefail â€” Gina Walsh (@walshgina) March 9, 2016

The bill passed 23-9. It will require one more vote in the Senate, then move to the House, where it will likely pass. The bill does not need the governor’s approval since it places a question on the ballot for voters to decide.

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NEW:Â White House: Missouri Anti-Gay Bill ‘Inconsistent With Justice, Fairness, Equality’

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EARLIER:

24 Hours! Missouri Democratic Senators Have Now Been Filibustering An Anti-Gay Bill for a Full Day

Right Now Missouri Democratic Senators Have Been Filibustering An Anti-Gay Bill For Over 15 Hours

Listen Live Now: Missouri Senate Debating, Voting On Anti-Gay ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill

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This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.

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Image viaÂ Wikimedia