REPUBLICAN state representative Ann Kelley pictured on YouTube. She is a Methodist and a member of the National Rifle Association.
Image via YouTube
When Kelly proposed the ban, Oakland based journalist and a member of The Coalition For Women In Journalism, Imani Gandy (aka Angry Black Lady) above, asked on Twitter:
What the cinnamon toast fuck is going on in Missouri? Republicans have proposed a dress code targeting women lawmakers.
Common Dreams blog yesterday pointed out that:
Missouri state lawmakers can bear arms in the legislative chamber but if they’re women, they can no longer show their bare arms under new dress code rules passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives on Friday.
The new regulation—Rule 98— which passed by a 105-51 vote, states that:
At all times when the House is seated, proper attire for gentlemen shall be business attire, including coat, tie, dress trousers, and dress shoes or boots. Proper attire for women shall be business attire, including jackets worn with dresses, skirts, or slacks, and dress shoes or boots.
Image via YouTube
However, Democratic state lawmakers pushed back against the policy, with Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern tweeting that:
It is mind-boggling that members of the Missouri House have the right to bear arms on the floor of the chamber, but women legislators are forbidden from showing bare arms.
Also speaking on the House floor, Democratic Representive Ashley Aune (D-14) asked:
Do you know what it feels like to have a bunch of men in this room looking at your top trying to determine if it’s appropriate or not?
Reacting to the new rule, human rights attorney Qasim Rashid tweeted that:
The Missouri GOP banning women from showing their bare arms isn’t a sign of Shariah or Taliban—it’s a sign of right-wing ‘Christian’ extremism.
“Stop deflecting extremism in America as something foreign,” Rashid added. “It’s 100% American. Admit it. Own it. Work to stop it.”
Speaking to CNN Friday, Aune noted that:
In 2019 House Republicans passed the abortion ban that went into effect this summer after the Dobbs decision came down, fully restricting a women’s right to choose in this state, and on day one in our Legislature they’re doubling down on controlling women.
Under the state’s abortion ban, pregnant Missourians are forced to travel to other states for the medical procedure. Last year, Republican state lawmakers unsuccessfully tried to punish them for doing so via a measure that would have allowed private citizens to sue anyone who “aids or abets” abortions violating Missouri’s ban—no matter where they are performed.
When Kelly stood for election in 2018 she cited her faith as a motivating factor in seeking to run. She said:
I want to serve the people in my district. I believe that through Christ’s strength and wisdom, we will carve out a better future.
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