Though Missouri ranks 47th in the nation for gun deaths per capita (CDC), Republicans in the Missouri House felt it more important to address bare arms than bearing arms.
Included as part of a larger set of legislation that passed the House 105 to 51, a new dress code will protect Republicans from having to witness women’s bare arms or from the sight of – and please prepare yourself – sequins!
Yes, we all know how dangerous sequins are.
Just check out this picture of the late Queen Elizabeth II contemplating murder while in a sequined dress:
So thanks to these safety conscious Republicans, now all in the Missouri House will be safe from this scourge to humankind.
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The measure was introduced by state Rep. Ann Kelley (R), who was definitely wearing some tacky bright blue pants as the debate raged, bringing unnecessary attention to her hips.
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The GOP eventually bent a bit, but only so far as to also allow women to wear cardigans in addition to blazers – but their arms must be covered.
The previous rules had allowed for “dresses or skirts or slacks worn with a blazer or sweater and appropriate dress shoes or boots,” and had been interpreted to mean that a blazer was only required if wearing slacks.
Democrats in the Missouri House were quick to condemn the proposal, leading to some fairly heated rhetoric and confrontations.
State Rep. Raychel Proudie (D) was quick to point out on the floor how ridiculous it all was:
MO State Rep. Proudie (D) goes after GOP House members pushing a dress code for women — requiring they wear jackets — in a rules bill.
"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's inappropriate." pic.twitter.com/uORB2OWTXW
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) January 11, 2023
Another state representative, Ashley Aune (D), had it out with Kelley about the effort she was sponsoring:
In response to MO State Rep. Ashley Aune (D) questioning the need for the dress code amendment, sponsor Rep. Ann Kelley (R) says, "You would think that all you would have to do is say, 'dress professionally' and women could handle it!" pic.twitter.com/75gbaGnzZu
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) January 11, 2023
Later, former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill (D) weighed in with her own condemnation:
Missouri House of Representatives. Adamantly opposed to any govt suggestion of wearing a mask but now busy telling elected women Representatives to cover their arms. SMH. https://t.co/cJj2d5srsn
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) January 11, 2023
Others also pointed out the fact that arms had to be covered but mouths during a pandemic did not.
Yep, the caucus that lost their minds over the suggestion that they should wear masks during a pandemic to respect the safety of others is now spending its time focusing on the fine details of what women have to wear (specifically how to cover their arms) to show respect here.
— Rep. Peter Merideth (@PeterforMO) January 11, 2023
The GOP claims that Democrats are guilty of “cancel culture,” yet here is just another example of Republicans trying to shut down a form of expression based on their own misguided ideas of what is decent and appropriate.
If it’s a hot day in Missouri, female reps will now have to bring jackets or cardigans with them in order to speak on the state’s House floor.
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Maybe next they’ll want to tell us that this is how we need to dress for the pool:
Although, one of those women is showing a lot of arm, so maybe not.
With Republicans, you never really know.
For more on GOP stupidity, join Ross on Twitter by clicking on @RossRosenfeld. He promises not to wear a Speedo.
