avatarBruce Coulter

Summary

The Missouri House of Representatives, led by Republican state Rep. Ann Kelley, has introduced a controversial rule requiring women to wear blazers or cover their arms in the chamber, sparking debates on professional attire and gender equality.

Abstract

In a recent development, the Missouri House of Representatives has passed an amendment to its formal rules, mandating that female lawmakers wear blazers or otherwise cover their arms while in the chamber. This move, spearheaded by Republican state Rep. Ann Kelley, has been met with criticism and is seen as a regressive step, especially in 2023. The rule's introduction follows the Republicans' narrow victory in the House and the celebration over the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The article criticizes the Republican Party for its stance on women's attire, contrasting it with their position on capital punishment and the protection of the unborn. It also questions the priorities of the Missouri Republican House members, suggesting that there are more pressing issues to address than women's dress codes.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a critical view of the Republican Party, particularly its stance on women's rights and attire.
  • The article suggests that the rule change is an example of the GOP's misplaced priorities and outdated views on gender roles.
  • There is a clear opinion that the new dress code rule for women is unnecessary and reflects poorly on the party that also supports the death penalty.
  • The author implies that the rule is hypocritical, given the similar, yet less restrictive, dress code for male House members.
  • The piece also highlights the irony of a female state representative introducing a rule that imposes restrictions on other women.
  • The author's tone indicates frustration with the political climate and the actions of the Republican Party, particularly in relation to women's issues.
  • The article calls for a more modern approach to professional attire, noting that the era of treating women as subordinate is outdated.

POLITICS

Women Must Now Cover Their Arms in Missouri House

Republicans are out of their fucking minds

Note the audacity of this House member to show her bare arms. Twitter Screen grab

Republicans rejoiced when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. At long last, the party that demands the death penalty for capital offenses could now protect the unborn — at least until they commit a capital offense. Yeah, that makes sense.

Smelling blood in the water, political pundits across the country predicted a red tide would wipe out the Democratic party until it didn’t. Thank God for Donald Trump and his slate of ass clown candidates.

With the smallest of margins, Republicans took control of the House. I’m still not sure whose victory dance was the worse, the GOP in general or Kevin McCarthy’s drive for the speaker’s post that took 15 rounds and numerous concessions to the House Freedom Crock-of-shit.

But now, the Missouri House of Representatives has managed to top that tom-foolery.

According to the Washington Post, Republican state Rep. Ann Kelley’s push to amend the House’s formal rules by requiring women to wear a blazer while in the chamber. Read that again. A female state representative introduced a rule requiring women to wear blazers in the chamber.

During the debate, Kelley said: “You would think that all you would have to do is say, ‘dress professionally’ and women could handle it!”

Given the bullshit women put up with, why would a woman want to make life more difficult for other women? Twitter screen grab

But that’s not what Kelley’s rule proposed.

Commonsense almost reigned, and the rules were amended to require female lawmakers to cover their arms but also allowed for cardigans and other kinds of jackets.

The last time I saw severe clothing restrictions was when the Taliban required women to be covered from head to toe.

There are, of course, similar dress codes for male House members. The rules state that “proper attire for gentlemen shall be business attire, including coat, tie, dress trousers, and dress shoes or boots.”

Do Missouri Republican House members have so little to do that they need to tell women how to dress?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting members show up to work in flip-flops and spandex. But folks, this is 2023, not 1953. The “little woman” ain’t that anymore.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by. Lay 50 claps on me and comment if you would please. I will return the favor. Cheers!

I accept tips, which go directly to Dining for Hunger, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. If you can spare a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.

More stories from Bruce Coulter.

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