Democrats, Media Imply Sexism In Missouri Women Lawmaker Dress Code Change, But It Hardly Changed Anything

Missouri House lawmakers Voted To Change the women’s dress code on Wednesday, sparking outrage from Democrats and several legacy media Reports This seemed to indicate that there was Sexism at play, even if the new code ended-up looking surprisingly similar the previous dress code.

Ann Kelley, Republican state Representative, demanded the changes. She said that the dress code must be clarified.

“Isn’t it is essential to always maintain a formal and professional atmosphere on the House floor?” Kelley asked. “And to ensure this happens, I have felt compelled to offer this amendment, which cleans up some of the language in rule 98 by mirroring the previous language and the gentleman’s dress code.”

“Men are required to wear a jacket, a shirt and a tie, correct? And if they walked in here without a tie, they would get gaveled down in a heartbeat. If they walked in without a jacket, they would get gaveled down in a heartbeat. So, we are so interested in being equal,” Kelley Noted.

“All we’re trying to do today is to take the same rules that we have and make them more clear,” Brenda Shields is a Republican state representative .

The old dress code was in effect from 2021 states That “[p]roper attire for women shall be dresses or skirts or slacks worn with a blazer or sweater and appropriate dress shoes or boots. This rule shall apply to all members and staff on the floor of the House and lower gallery.”

It says, “For men it says…” “proper attire for gentlemen shall be business attire, including coat, tie, dress trousers, and dress shoes or boots.”

Vote approved the dress code amendment. The rules package containing the new dress code was then approved. Passed Wednesday, April 13, 2010 at a Vote Between 105 and 51

Amendment to one dress code That “[p]roper attire for women shall be business attire, including jackets worn with dresses, skirts, or slacks, and dress shoes or boots. For the purposes of this rule, ‘jacket’ shall include blazers and knit blazers.”

The word “cardigan” Also, it was added after the word “blazers” In an amendment by Shields, people reportedly pushed back against the rule change.

Especially Democrats voiced concerns on the House Floor.

“We are fighting — again — for a woman’s right to choose for something. This time, it’s how she covers herself — and the interpretation of someone who has no background in fashion,” Raychel Proudie, Democratic State Representative argued During a speech. “I spent $1,200 on a suit, and I can’t wear it in the People’s House because someone who doesn’t have the range tells me that it’s inappropriate.”

Proudie stated that some of her coworkers could be pregnant, and would have to buy new clothing to conform to the rule.

“We are a place of laws and words do matter,” Proudie said. “This is a place where we ought to be dressed in business formal, which does call for women to have our arms covered. I think we’re being quite pedantic here by making rules so petty and what it will ultimately lead to is the disenfranchisement of folks.”

“You surely don’t have the money off the salary that we make to go buy a bunch of new clothes or tailored clothes, and I hope you’re able to continue to wear your cardigan and vote on behalf of the people who sent you here,” Proudie said.

Ashley Aune, Democratic State Representative, also spoke out, saying: “Do you know what it feels like to have a bunch of men in this room looking at your top trying to decide whether it’s appropriate or not?”

Kelley was in favor of the change and asked the House why they were even discussing the matter.

“You would think, you would think, that all you would have to do is, say, dress professionally, and women could handle it,” Kelley replied. “You would think elected officials could handle that.”

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