JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Mike Parson’s office said Friday he has no “religious litmus test” for state government employees, clarifying a statement he made earlier this week that he wouldn’t have appointed a health director “who does not share the same Christian values” as him.
The clarification on Friday followed sharp criticism by interfaith religious groups, lawmakers and others.
“The Governor’s statement was intended to point out that (health director nominee) Don Kauerauf shared values that aligned with the Governor’s and was not intended to imply that he imposes a requirement that job applicants adhere to any particular religion,” Kelli Jones, spokeswoman for Parson, told the Post-Dispatch on Friday.
