Lesbian
Representative Rejected From Committee on Children and
Families

St. Louis representative Jeanette Mott Oxford, one of two openly gay lawmakers in the Missouri house of representatives, was rejected from the Committee on Children and Families in January with little explanation. A Democratic representative from the state of Missouri, Oxford considers herself "eminently qualified" for the position and is questioning whether her sexual orientation has played a role in the decision, according to the Kansas City Star.

In a letter to Republican house speaker Ron Richard, Oxford wrote, "The only reason cited to me so far as for why I am not on the committee is that 'some members find me offensive. I do not know if this is about my sexual orientation, my stance on Roe v. Wade, or what." Chief of Staff Jeff Brooks reportedly cited the concern that Oxford was "highly offensive" at a time when multiple Democratic staffers were present. He has since denied the remark.

Having spent more than 20 years working with family issues, Oxford is anxious to hear a substantiated explanation for her rejection from the committee. Committee chairwoman Rep. Cynthia Davis has insisted that claims of discrimination pertaining to Oxford's sexual orientation are "gossip" and that Oxford's personal life "never was an issue." Davis did not, however, offer further explanation for the rejection.

Democratic lawmaker Michael Corcoran, who has a good relationship with Richard, according to the Star, has been appointed to the committee in Oxford's place. (Shannon Connolly, Advocate.com)