Senate committee hears bill to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity

Intro:	A Senate committee heard testimony on a bill that would make discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity illegal
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Missouri's Non-Discrimination Act does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity.

This is a problem for self-identified conservative Debbie Jackson.

Actuality:	JACKSON1.WAV
Run Time:	00:18
Description: "But when my child became increasingly depressed, was acting out and eventually became suicidal at the age of four, my perspective on a lot of things changed. You see, my child is transgender. Coming from such a long-standing conservative background, I never would have believed it was possible, if I hadn't seen her distress first hand, right in my own home."

Opponents told the Senate Progress and Development committee the bill pits LGBT rights against the rights of the religiously observant.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.

Intro:	If a bill heard by the Senate's Progress and Development committee is passed, Missouri's non-discrimination legislation would be expanded to include sexual orientation and identity.
RunTime:	0:32
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Missouri's non-discrimination laws do not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity.

Debbie Jackson has a transgender child. She told the Senate Progress and Development committee being LGBT is not a choice.

Actuality:	JACKSON2.WAV
Run Time:	00:10
Description: "In the nature versus nurture argument, I can tell you that this is my daughter's nature. We did not nurture her to be transgender. Being LGBT is not a choice. It is who people are born to be."

Opponents of the legislation include the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Missouri Catholic Council.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.

Intro:	A bill in heard by the Senate Progress and Development committee would make discrimination illegal based on sexual orientation and identity, if it is passed.
RunTime:	0:36
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The bill would amend the Missouri Non-Descrimination Act to criminalize discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity.

Tyler McClay of the Missouri Catholic Council told the Senate Progress and Development committee the bill pits LGBT rights against religious freedom.

Actuality:	MCCLAY1.WAV
Run Time:	00:14
Description: "Is there a way to respect the rights of those in the LGBT community and also respect the rights of those who, for religious conviction reasons, cannot lend their artistic talents to a wedding ceremony for, a gay couple say?"

Supporters of the bill said being LGBT is not a choice.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.