Tempers flare as Missouri state reps. debate cardigans, blazers and a women's dress code

The Missouri House of Representatives found themselves debating buttons, blazers and cardigans Wednesday as an amendment for stricter dress codes was introduced to make sure women representatives keep their arms covered.

Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican, was among those who supported the change and brought the matter up for discussion because she thought it needed clarification. Calling it "clean-up" language, her suggestions were modeled after the men's dress code.

"Isn't it is essential to always maintain a formal and professional atmosphere on the House floor?" Kelley asked. "And to ensure this happens, I have felt compelled to offer this amendment, which cleans up some of the language in rule 98 by mirroring the previous language and the gentleman's dress code."

She said some people have previously assumed if they wear a skirt or a sweater, a jacket isn't necessary.

The amendment, which passed with a 105-51 vote, now specifies that members must wear jackets with dresses, skirts and slacks. The new language also says a jacket can include blazers and cardigans.

Previously, the amendment called for women representatives to wear trousers, dress shoes or boots. That's still approved.

Dress codes: World Cup draws attention to equal rights, including attire

School dress codes: North Carolina school's skirts-only dress code for girls violates Title IX, court rules

Pushback against women's dress code amendment

Multiple members stood up to question the need for the amendment and one supporter suggested adding the word "cardigan" to the amendment to avoid confusion.

Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat, agreed with some points but cautioned against "over-policing." Some groups aren't able to find comfortable blazers, including pregnant women, she said.

"We are a place of laws and words do matter," Proudie said. "This is a place where we ought to be dressed in business formal, which does call for women to have our arms covered. I think we're being quite pedantic here by making rules so petty and what it will ultimately lead to is the disenfranchisement of folks."

Some men spoke out too, including Rep. Peter Merideth. The Democrat didn't vote on the amendment and said he doesn't think he's qualified to say what's appropriate for women to wear.

Calling it a "really dangerous road for us all to go down," he said people expect state representatives to debate openly and pass laws about things that matter, not fight about women's clothing.

"I wish we could just let this go and let people wear what makes them comfortable and professional and respectful," he said.

Missouri representatives call dress code debate 'waste of time'

Rep. Ingrid Burnett, another Democrat, didn't speak about the amendment Wednesday but told USA TODAY she was disappointed that it was even brought up.

"I think it's a waste of time to be talking about that when we have so many other things that we need to be addressing," she said. "With a $16 billion surplus sitting in our treasury, we want to talk about what people are wearing when they decide how to spend it."

She said she's proud of "freshman members" for speaking out against the suppression of women as they participate in the governing process.

"I think they did a really great job," she said. "I'm going into my senior term and they know how I feel about it ... If there's a problem with the way somebody is comporting themselves, then we would go to that person directly and deal with it."

In a lengthy Facebook post Thursday night, Kelley said she has received "hateful calls, emails, and messages in regards to this amendment."

She also said she spoke for no more than five minutes, so claims that she wasted time are moot.

Her reason for bringing the matter up, she said, is because before the House can start working, rules need to be adopted.

"This was something that the Chief Clerk, who is in charge of decorum has requested for many years to get fixed in our rules," she wrote. "Now, it has been fixed."

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757 – and loves all things horror, witches, Christmas, and food. Follow her on Twitter at @Saleen_Martin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missouri state legislators adopt more strict dress code for women