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Decriminalizing Homosexual Acts

A bill that would decriminalize homosexual acts was debated today in the House Civil Committee. Adrienne Huth reports from the state capitol.

Under Missouri's current law, it is a crime for homosexuals to particiapte in consensual sexual intercourse. Witnesses supporting the bill including Jeff Wunrow, the director for the Privacy Rights Education Project, says it is wrong for legislators to impose their religious beliefs upon the state.

"Currently the law criminalizes what two consenting adults do in private which is inappropriate intrusion into people's private lives."

Some lawmakers say there are two issues involved, privacy and consent. However,Republican Representative, Rich Chrismer,opposes the bill and he views the issue from a different perspective.