Text of MO SB 761 (2020)
Prohibits institutions of higher learning from discriminating against a religious student organization
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As introduced
2,725 characters
SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 761
100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR BURLISON.
Pre-filed December 1, 2019, and ordered printed.
ADRIANE D. CROUSE, Secretary.
3770S.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 173, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to student
associations at public institutions of higher learning.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 173, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto two new
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sections, to be known as sections 173.1555 and 173.1556, to read as follows:
173.1555. As used in sections 173.1555 and 173.1556, the following
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terms mean:
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(1) "Benefit", recognition, registration, the use of facilities of the
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public institution of higher learning for meetings or speaking purposes,
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and the use of channels of communication of the public institution of
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higher learning;
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(2) "Public
institution
of
higher
learning",
any
state
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postsecondary educational institution governed or supervised by a
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board erected under chapter 172, 174, 175, or 178; a board of trustees
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of a community college; or any state board for any other technical
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school;
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(3) "Religion" or "religious", includes all aspects of a religious
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belief or practice, regardless of whether compelled or central to a
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particular religion.
173.1556. 1. No public institution of higher learning shall take
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any action or enforce any policy that denies a religious student
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association any benefit available to any other student association or
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that discriminates against a religious student association with respect
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to such benefit, based on that association's requirement that its leaders
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or others who hold a position within the association that authorizes
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them to participate in establishing criteria for its leadership and
SB 761
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governance adhere to the association's sincerely held religious beliefs,
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comply with the association's sincere religious practice requirements,
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comply with the association's sincere religious standards of conduct, or
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be committed to furthering the association's religious missions as such
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beliefs, requirements, standards, or missions are defined by the
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association or religion upon which the association is based.
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2. Any religious student association that has been aggrieved as
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a result of a violation or threatened violation of subsection 1 of this
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section may assert that violation or threatened violation as a claim or
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defense in a judicial proceeding or in an administrative proceeding
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against the public institution of higher learning and obtain appropriate
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relief.
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