Hundreds rally at state capitol after Missouri lawmakers repeal amendments
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Protestors made their voices heard after state lawmakers ed bills to put abortion back on the ballot and overturn paid sick leave measures.
Voters approved both in November.
State lawmakers also decided to adjourn the session two days before their deadline.
Governor Mike Kehoe will now decide exactly when abortion will be voted on again. But it will most likely happen in November 2026.
HJR 73 would only allow abortions for a medical emergency, fetal anomaly, or in the case of rape or incest, up to 12 weeks.
As for mandatory paid sick leave, more than 700,000 Missourians started receiving the benefit this month.
On Thursday afternoon, many groups took to the stairs at the Capitol for what they called ‘Defend the Will of the People Rally.’
“It’s anger, and it’s rage, it’s frustration,” said Fran Marion, a mother of two who has worked in the fast-food industry for over 20 years without access to paid sick days. “I had three mini-strokes; I still have chest pains. But I still have to go to work because a day missed is going to keep me homeless even longer.”
When Prop A ed in November, which required employers to give workers at least one hour of paid time off for every thirty hours worked, she felt a sense of hope. That feeling is now gone as lawmakers voted to amend the bill.
ALSO READ: Plan to incentivize Chiefs, Royals to stay in Missouri in jeopardy as Missouri Senate adjourns
“It makes me feel not cared about, like I’m inhumane, like I don’t matter, vote doesn’t matter,” Marion said.
As for overturning Amendment 3, some Republicans argued voters didn’t know what they were voting for.
“We have to stand up to the politicians who have decided that we knew what we were voting for when we voted them in but not when we were voting for Prop A and Amendment 3,” said Nancy O’Brien with Abortion Action Missouri.
After the rally, KCTV5 got house leaders’ reactions on both sides of the aisle as they adjourned session early.
“If you’re for people voting, then you have to be for people voting even when they disagree with you,” said Dr. Jon Patterson, Republican Speaker of the House. “One of the nice things about the HJR we ed is it has to go back to the people. So, as someone who didn’t vote for it, I feel very comfortable knowing that whatever happens, it will reflect the voice of the people.
“As I’ve said all along, I think Missourians are smart. I think they knew exactly what they were voting for, and they were voting for the option that they had. Now, they will have another option. No one is talking about an abortion ban; this is not what this is about. People will have a choice on whether they think it should be allowed with exceptions or not.”
“When HJR 73 goes before voters, with honest language, that asked them to repeal their current rights to reproductive freedom, and ban abortion, it will get destroyed at the ballot box,” said Ashley Aune, Democrat Minority Floor Leader.
Gov. Kehoe is expected to hold a press conference Friday morning.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
