On Tuesday, March 8, 2016, the Missouri State Senate voted to advance Senate Joint Resolution 39 (SJR 39).  This bill would place on the statewide ballot a measure to allow individuals, businesses, and religious organizations to refuse service to gay and lesbian couples, based on "a sincere religious belief concerning marriage between persons of the same sex."

We, the undersigned, urge Tony Richardson, Speaker of the Missouri House, to reject this attempt to legalize discrimination against a whole class of Missouri citizens.  The authors of this petition are Christian clergy who hold that our faith teaches us to love and welcome same sex couples, not reject them.  We are offended by this attempt to stain our faith with bigotry.

The people of Missouri value religious freedom, which is why it is already protected by state and federal law.  Religious bodies and clergy are similarly protected from prosecution for refusing to offer any services which violate their beliefs.  This resolution is simply an attempt to allow other individuals and businesses to discriminate based on their opposition to same sex marriage.  It sets a dangerous precedent which could allow impunity for anyone who wishes to discriminate based on a "sincere religious belief."

We believe that our state constitution should protect the citizens of Missouri.  This resolution will damage the reputation of our great state and cost us money. Indianapolis reported a loss of over $60 million in service industry and other revenue after a similar measure passed in Indiana.  Please help protect the freedom of all Missourians by stopping SJR 39 from advancing.