Missouri State Law

Anti-Discrimination Law

Missouri does not have a law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Municipalities with civil rights ordinances, policies, or proclamations prohibiting sexual orientation discrimination:

Columbia (Boone): 1992
Kansas City (Clay, Platte & Jackson): 1993
St. Louis (St. Louis): 1992. Ordinance No. 62710

Domestic Partnership

There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Missouri:

St. Louis* (St. Louis)
*Registry Only: March 10, 1997. Allows for visitation at city medical facilities and jails.

Marriage Law

2001: Anti-Gay Marriage Bill Passed

In July of 2001, the state of Missouri became the 35th state in the U.S. to adopt legislation specifically prohibiting the recognition of marriage between same-sex couples.  Missouri Statute 451.022 reads, “It is the public policy of this state to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman.  Any purported marriage not between a man and a woman is invalid.  No recorder shall issue a marriage license, except to a man and a woman.  A marriage between persons of the same sex will not be recognized for any purpose in this state even when valid where contracted.”

Sodomy Law

Missouri has a law prohibiting sodomy, but it has been interpreted not to include consensual sex between adults.  Criminal liability for consensual sodomy between adults was struck down in State v. Cogshell, 1999.  Because the sodomy statute is still on the books, it could be used during arrests or may be entered into evidence of ongoing criminal activity by a parent in child custody hearings involving gay parents.  Efforts by civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU-EM are currently underway to challenge this law.

Hate Crimes Law

Missouri's hate crimes law includes sexual orientation and gender identity.