ST. CHARLES • America’s continuing debate over gay rights versus religious freedom took center stage in Missouri’s gubernatorial race Sunday, with three of the four Republican candidates for governor lauding a proposed referendum to protect businesspeople who refuse to cater to same-sex marriage ceremonies.
In a candidate forum at Lindenwood University, the fourth GOP hopeful, author Eric Greitens, defended his position against the measure, warning that Missouri could find itself facing corporate boycotts and lost conventions, as North Carolina and other states have after passing laws perceived as discriminatory against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens.
“Today in America people of faith are under attack,” said Greitens, echoing a common sentiment among Missouri Republican legislators and candidates. But he said passage of the pending legislative measure “will have the unintentional consequence of threatening our economy and killing jobs.”
Greitens went on to vow that, as governor, he would prevent anyone from being forced to cater to or otherwise participate in a same-sex marriage ceremony — though he didn’t say how he would do that, absent a state law providing the authority.
The other three candidates — businessman John Brunner, former Missouri House Speaker Catherine Hanaway and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder — strongly backed the proposal from the forum stage, saying it was a matter of both religious freedom and democracy.
It was also, clearly, an opportunity for three of the candidates to hammer over a rare policy difference at the one who has come to the race with outsized funding and celebrity.
“All four of us on this stage claim to be conservatives,” said Hanaway. “Three of us support the right of the people to get to vote on whether religious liberties will be protected in our constitution.”
At issue is Missouri Senate Joint Resolution 39, which seeks a statewide referendum to protect clergy, churches, wedding vendors and others who decline to participate in same-sex marriage ceremonies. Proponents say will support the religious rights of same-sex marriage opponents. Critics allege it is a license for discrimination.
North Carolina, Mississippi and other states have passed laws limiting the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people regarding marriage ceremonies, public accommodations and other issues. Some of those states have faced a backlash from businesses that have pulled out company facilities and convention plans, saying they don’t want their customers and employees subjected to discrimination.
Nonetheless, the Missouri measure — which the state Senate has passed and a House committee could vote as early as Monday — has enjoyed widespread support among Republicans in Jefferson City and on the campaign trail. In-party support for it has been strong enough that Greitens’ initial failure to publicly state a position on it had become a growing issue in recent weeks.
Last week, Greitens finally issued a statement voicing support for the religious freedom of people to avoid participation in same-sex marriage, but warning that codifying that principle could have economic consequences.
Several dozen protesters were gathered outside the venue before the debate with signs chiding Greitens for that statement.
“Eric Greitens is wrong on this,” said protest organizer Bev Ehlen of Warren County. “We’re thanking the other three, who have done the right thing.”
As for the threats that businesses will boycott Missouri over the issue, she said, “I’m tired of being blackmailed.”
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, the likely Democratic gubernatorial nominee, is on record in opposition to the resolution.
Beyond the same-sex marriage issue, the four Republicans generally presented now-familiar themes: Brunner argued that his business background would bring fiscal responsibility to government; Greitens positioned himself as the only true political “outsider;” Hanaway stressed a law-and-order focus; and Kinder repeatedly pointed out he is the only one of the candidates who has won statewide elections.
The event was sponsored by the St. Louis County and St. Charles County Republican central committees.
Kevin McDermott • 314-340-8268
@kevinmcdermott on Twitter
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