Missouri town joins other communities, amends anti-discrimination ordinance

KIRKWOOD, Mo. (AP) — Another Missouri town has amended its anti-discrimination ordinance to include prohibitions against discrimination for sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Kirkwood City Council voted unanimously for the change Thursday, joining about a dozen other local governments in Missouri to support legal rights for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people.

St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Jackson County and several St. Louis County communities are among others who have adopted similar laws.

The Kirkwood council also gave preliminary approval to a measure prohibiting protests within 300 feet of funerals or burial services an hour before and after the services. Other communities have adopted similar laws in response to potential protests by groups like Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church at funerals for members of the military.