Tensions ran high Wednesday as Missouri legislators tried to impose a dress code for female lawmakers.
The new rule passed determines that women must wear jackets, blazers or cardigans. No changes were made to the dress code for male legislators. Rep. Ashely Aune said she doesn’t like being told what to wear.
“You know what it feels like to have a bunch of men in this room trying to decide whether it’s appropriate or not?” she asked.
The rule, proposed by Rep. Ann Kelley, started a fierce debate, specifically surrounding materials like sequins and velveteen.
“It is inappropriate to wear sequins and velveteen before 5 o’clock p.m.,” Rep. Rachel Proudie of St. Louis County said. “And yet we do that, that’s not in House rules.”
Rep. Peter Merideth decided he wasn’t the one to make the decision for his female colleagues.
“I’m not gonna dare to say what is appropriate and not appropriate for women to wear,” he said.
Rep. Barbara Phifer had gripes with the situation, saying, “I don’t even understand what ‘a blazer’ means or why we’re having this conversation.”
The Missouri House is made up of 116 men and 43 women.
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