Stricter workplace discrimination standards headed for Missouri House

The Missouri Senate passed a bill along party lines Thursday that would make it harder for employees to prove discrimination when fired from a job.

Under Senate Bill 43, an employee has to prove "race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, or age" was the main reason for dismissal, not just a contributing factor. The measure now goes to the House.

Farmington Republican Sen. Gary Romine, who sponsored the bill, said it will protect businesses without harming the rights of employees.

"We've seen people use a discriminatory act to cry wolf, to retaliate against an employer, when we really had discrimination activities going on, and they get lost sometimes in the weeds because of all the other, what I call, frivolous lawsuits taking place," he said.

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