Busy Week at the State Capital, Issues of Abortion & Gay Marriage Part of the Agenda

It has been a busy week at the state capital. Members of the Missouri House took action on several issues including approval of legislation that creates stricter requirements for a minor to obtain an abortion in Missouri. State Representative Rocky Miller of Lake Ozark is the sponsor of the bill. Under current law, a minor must obtain the written consent of a parent or guardian in order to have an abortion. The legislation approved this week would also require the consenting parent or guardian to first notify in writing any other custodial parent or guardian. Meanwhile in the senate, a proposal was passed Thursday (10) creating religious protections for those who object to participating in gay weddings. The vote was 23 to 7 for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit government penalties against those who cite religious beliefs while declining to provide wedding related services to same sex couples. The protections would apply to clergy, religious organizations and certain businesses such as florists and photographers. It now goes to the House for consideration and if approved there would then be put on the ballot for the August primary or November general election.