HB 477 - Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation

• Adds "sexual orientation" as a protected class under Missouri's anti-discrimination laws, defining it as male or female heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality by inclination, practice, identity, or expression, or having a self image or identity not traditionally associated with one's gender

• Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, applying the same protections currently afforded to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, and familial status

• Extends discrimination protections to include unfair treatment based on a person's presumed or assumed sexual orientation, whether or not the presumption is correct

• Grants the Missouri Commission on Human Rights authority to investigate, hear complaints, and take enforcement action against violations of sexual orientation anti-discrimination protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations

• Updates existing statutory language throughout the chapter to include "sexual orientation" in all sections dealing with unlawful discriminatory practices and the Commission's powers and duties