JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Republicans in the GOP-controlled Missouri House are embroiled in national controversy this week over a rule that would have tightened the dress code for women lawmakers.
The initial version of the rule, offered by state Rep. Ann Kelley, a Lamar Republican, would have explicitly required women to wear jackets while in the House chamber — although previous rules have already required women to wear a second layer, such as a blazer. The House eventually enacted a revised rule that requires women to wear jackets, but clarifies that jackets include cardigans.
The rule specifies that women must wear “business attire,” a phrase that was already included in the rule governing the dress code for male lawmakers.
