Pro-Discrimination Bill Vetoed by Gov. Nixon, but the Fight’s Not Over Yet

Thank you, Governor Nixon, for vetoing SB188, the bill pushed through the legislature by big businesses seeking to avoid responsibility for discrimination in the workplace.  This bill was an insult to all of the hardworking people of Missouri, who would have had a much harder time proving that their employer had illegally discriminated against them.  Among other things, the bill would have made it permissible to fire someone for an illegal reason (such as age, race, etc.) as long as the employer claimed they also had a non-discriminatory reason fire them (which they always claim).

Gov. Nixon stood up and did the right thing, despite knowing that he would attacked for it by politicians trying to make it seem like the veto was “anti-job.”  The simple fact is that Missourians want fair jobs, working for people who don’t discriminate.

In addition to thanking Governor Nixon, I’d also like to thank everyone who contacted to urge him to veto this bill.

The fight’s not over yet, though.  The majority is going to try to override the veto, pretending that this bill will help workers.  It won’t.  Instead it takes away some of the few protections Missouri law gives them.

Please contact your legislators now (Republican or Democrat) and tell them that you don’t them to take away Missouri workers’ rights.  Tell them that you want them to support the working class by voting against an override of SB188!

“Missouri is a state that welcomes all people, and believes that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity,” Gov. Nixon said. “That means eliminating discrimination and removing the barriers of prejudice wherever they exist. Whether it be in the workplace, in housing or in public accommodations, discrimination is wrong. It will not be tolerated here in Missouri.”

Governor Nixon said that Senate Bill 188 would undermine key provisions of the Missouri Human Rights Act, rolling back decades of progress in protecting civil rights, encouraging fair treatment and fostering mutual understanding and respect among all citizens.

“This bill would make it harder to prove discrimination in the workplace, and would throw new hurdles in the path of those whose rights have been violated,” Gov. Nixon said. “That is unacceptable.”

The bill is opposed by a broad coalition of advocacy groups representing women, individuals with disabilities and serious illnesses, senior citizens and minorities.

“Making it easier for Missouri companies to discriminate against people with disabilities or cancer, and against women, older workers and minorities will not help us create jobs or be more competitive,” Gov. Nixon said.  “To thrive in a global economy and uphold the values we share, we must be a state that continues to move forward – not backward − when it comes to civil rights and equal opportunity.”