Democrats block weak workplace discrimination bill in the State Senate

A group of Democratic State Senators is blocking a bill that would redefine Missouri’s workplace discrimination standards.  They believe the bill will undo nearly a half-century of civil rights progress.

Among those blocking the bill are Robin Wright-Jones and Maria Chappelle-Nadal from the St. Louis area.  As part of the filibuster, they talked about several other topics besides the discrimination bill, including America’s immigration policies:

“Well you know what I think about immigration, what we’re doing with immigration?  I think it’s Jim Crow with a sombrero!” said Jones, "I think it’s Jim Crow with a sombrero, that’s what I think.”

The bill would require that discrimination be a motivating factor, not a contributing factor, in any action taken against an employee.  Supporters say it would curb the number of frivolous lawsuits in Missouri.