Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 19, 2004

MISSOURI COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS SPEAKS OUT ON CROSS BURNING LEGISLATION

Jefferson City, MO -- Calling cross burning an “egregious form of intimidation,” the Commissioners of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (the MCHR) unanimously agreed at their quarterly meeting to support the passage of current bills in the Missouri Legislature to make the burning of a cross a criminal act in the state of Missouri.

According to a Washington Post article dated January 24, 2004, “experts on hate crimes estimate that about 30 cross burnings a year are reported in the United States.”  Since the MCHR is actively working to prevent and eliminate discrimination in employment, public accommodation and housing, it feels that any incident motivated by actual or perceived race, color or national original poses a crucial concern to them and to the citizens of Missouri.

Chairperson Sterling Adams called for a Commission Resolution urging the passage of Senate Bill 1045 and House Bills 1074 and 1129 or any similar legislation.  The resolution states in part that cross burning disrupts the peace, tranquility and safety of our nation’s urban and rural areas and are deeply divisive.

The resolution will be sent to the Office of the Governor, the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives and the President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate.

The MCHR is charged with enforcing the Missouri Human Rights Act that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, age (in employment) and familial status (in housing).  Its 11 Commissioners are appointed by the Governor from each congressional district in the state with two serving at large.  The MCHR has offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Jefferson City and Sikeston.