SB 798 Summary

• Adds "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as protected classes in Missouri's anti-discrimination law, alongside existing protections for race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, and familial status

• Defines "sexual orientation" as male or female heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality by inclination, practice, identity, or expression; defines "gender identity" as gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms regardless of sex at birth

• Extends non-discrimination protections to employment, housing, public accommodations, and financial services, including prohibitions on discriminatory advertising and lending practices

• Grants the Missouri Commission on Human Rights authority to investigate complaints and enforce anti-discrimination provisions related to sexual orientation and gender identity

• Makes it unlawful for employers, housing providers, lenders, and public accommodations to discriminate or retaliate against individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity