JEFFERSON CITY — Rep. Wick Thomas, D-Kansas City, alongside members of the Intersectional Equality Caucus and allies, held a news conference at the Capitol Monday to discuss rights for marginalized communities in Missouri.
The Missouri House of Representatives approved the Intersectional Equality Conference last month.
"This new conference unites legislators from across the state with a unified mission: to advocate for the rights and protections of marginalized communities," a news release from Thomas' office said.
Dozens of legislators are banding together to make up the conference and to advocate for the communities and rights of LGBTQ+ people and immigrants in Missouri.
Five Democrats commented on legislation that affects the LGBTQ+ community and DEI policies.
"The Equality Conference is much needed in the current state of Missouri legislature," Thomas said. "While Missourians are struggling to pay rents and mortgages, afford groceries and child care, the Missouri legislature is focused on spending countless hours and taxpayer dollars to control Missourians who are simply trying to live their lives without government interference.
After many bills proposals last week, members of the Intersectional Equality Caucus and allies said they are preparing to hear more this week, such as Senate Bill 100, which would add restrictions for changing the sex on one's birth certificate.
"Last week, we saw many unfortunate bills that will come to the floor this week," Thomas said. "We've seen hundreds of Missourians testify against these bills. Unfortunately, it has not changed a single Republican vote."
The conference said the identities of Missourians should not be up to Missouri government leaders.
"We do not want our identities politicized," said Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs, D-St. Louis. "We want to be left alone. However, because they keep filing bills about us, we have to call on community for action."
Thomas also spoke on issues regarding the continued push to put abortion access back on the ballot of Missouri voters.
"Missourians already decided abortion is a private, medical decision, and we have put it in the state constitution for a reason," Thomas said. "We are supposed to give ... the people of Missouri a chance to be a part of the legislative process. They deserve a right to be heard, and last week, they did not receive that."
House Joint Resolution 54 proposes putting a constitutional amendment that would nearly outlaw abortion on the November 2026 ballot. The bill proposes a near-total ban on abortion except for cases of medical emergencies, rape and incest.
The caucus also said it has seen some positive things within the last week.
"SB 38, the CROWN Act, protects natural hair, and we have been continuing to negotiate the removal of the same sex marriage ban from state statutes," Thomas said.
