State lawmakers respond to NCAA on ‘religious freedom’ measure

A constitutional amendment is moving forward in Missouri that would prevent any legal punishment to wedding businesses who refuse to service same-sex marriages.

The controversial measure got the attention of the NCAA when a similar one was approved in Indiana in 2015.

“The NCAA national office and our members are deeply committed to providing an inclusive environment for all our events,” said NCAA president Mark Emmert. “We are especially concerned about how this legislation could affect our student-athletes and employees. Moving forward, we intend to closely examine the implications of this bill and how it might affect future events as well as our workforce.”

The sponsor of Missouri’s version of the amendment, Sen. Bob Onder, has a different idea of the association’s stance.

“I really think that this cultural cronyism and bullying that we see from some in the business community and, unfortunately the NCAA, I think it’s counterproductive,” said Onder.

To amend the state constitution, the measure, known as SJR 39, must be approved by the Missouri House of Representatives and pass a statewide vote.