Missouri

Statewide Relationship Recognition
no Licenses marriages for same-sex couples.
no Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions.
no Relationship recognition for same-sex couples:
None.

  • 2004 The state’s constitution is amended to say “That to be valid and recognized in this state, a marriage shall exist only between a man and a woman.” See Missouri Constitution, Article I § 33.
  • 1996 Missouri law prohibits same-sex couples from marrying, although it was subsequently overturned by its state supreme court.

Statewide Employment Protections
no Private employment protections based on sexual orientation.
no Private employment protections based on gender identity.
no Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation.
- Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity.

See § 213.030 R.S.Mo. (2001)

Statewide Parenting Laws
Who May Adopt Any person. Mo. Stat. § 453.010.
Second Parent Adoptions Approved in some lower courts.
Notes State supreme court disclaims per se rule against gay parent in custody cases. J.A.D. v. F.J.D., 978 S.W.d2d 336 (Mo. 1998).

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