JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A state senator from Kansas City said he is demanding answers after an exhibit on the gay rights movement in Missouri was removed from the state Capitol.
Democrat Sen. Greg Razer, the only openly gay member of the Missouri Senate, said he was "appalled" when he was told the exhibit, "Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights" had been removed from the Missouri State Museum at the Capitol.
I've been made aware that @mostateparks removed an exhibit from the Missouri Capitol entitled "Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights" after only four days on display. I'm appalled, personally offended, and I will demand answers immediately. #moleg
— State Senator Greg Razer (@SenGregRazer) September 2, 2021
My statement on @mostateparks decision to put LGBT history exhibit back in the closet. #moleg pic.twitter.com/dxLstgyFFr
— State Senator Greg Razer (@SenGregRazer) September 2, 2021
Connie Patterson, spokeswoman for the Department of Natural Resources, did not immediately reply to questions about why the exhibit was moved and who made the decision.
On Tuesday, Uriah Stark, legislative aide for state Rep. Mitch Boggs, a Republican from La Russell, posted pictures of the exhibit on Facebook and questioned why the "taxpayer funded museum is pushing the LGBT agenda in our state capitol?"
The next day, Stark thanked "several of our great elected officials" for having the exhibit removed, specifically mentioning Republican Reps. Ann Kelley, of Lamar, and Brian Seitz, of Branson, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Here is the display that was too controversial for the Missouri Capitol. @mostateparks removed it after only four days because seeing the LGBT community not being persecuted and seeking equal treatment under the law is offensive to some. #moleg https://t.co/AKe5RbQluB
— State Senator Greg Razer (@SenGregRazer) September 2, 2021
"There is NOTHING controversial about an exhibit that explains how members of the LGBT community fought to end persecution and demand rights as citizens," Razer tweeted on Thursday. "I'm extremely disappointed and angry that @mostateparks may think otherwise."
