concerned that she was recently blocked from joining a committee on
children and families because of her sexual orientation. From our
friends at PROMO, Missouri’s statewide organization advocating
for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality:
For those not as familiar with our first out lesbian to hold
office in the State House, let me introduce Rep. Jeanette Mott
Oxford from the 59th District in St. Louis City. Jeanette is a
tireless advocate not just for our community, but also for workers’
rights, children’s rights and families in poverty. Jeanette
directed a statewide grassroots anti-poverty organization from
1991-2000, served on the governor’s task force on welfare reform
and was consulted by the Clinton White House on poverty issues in
1996. Jeanette is also a graduate of the Eden Theological Seminary
in Saint Louis, and she is a Sunday School teacher at her church.
Her partner Dorothy is a hospice chaplain and recently ordained
minister. Dorothy and Jeanette celebrate their 25th anniversary
this July.
I wanted to give you a bit of background on Rep. Oxford because
what’s been happening is unbelievable to those who know her.
Jeanette has served on the House committee that focuses on
children and family issues for the past four years and made that
her number one pick for a committee assignment again this year
after her re-election to a third term in November. Democratic
leadership put her name forward and intended to designate her
Ranking Member since no other veteran member from the Democratic
side of the aisle chose to return this year. However, in
mid-January when Jeff Brooks, Speaker Ron Richard’s chief of staff,
announced which assignments had come through, he told Democratic
Caucus staff that Rep. Oxford was being bumped from Children and
Families because “some of our members find her highly
offensive.”
Offensive! There’s only one thing in this situation that’s
offensive, and it’s not Rep. Oxford. You can follow more on the
story by clicking here.
The Family Equality Council stands with our friends and families in
Missouri as they further investigate and take action on this
situation. Visit www.promoonline.org to find out how you can get
involved.