A recent change to the dress code for female lawmakers in Missouri is sparking a contentious debate. The Missouri House of Representatives recently adopted new rules on “proper attire” for women in the chamber. It requires female legislators and staff members on duty to wear a jacket, cardigan or blazer to cover their arms.
Many Democrats have criticized the change as ridiculous and sexist. They argue that women should not be policed for their fashion choices. “There are a lot of ways we could break decorum in this room. but a woman, what she’s wearing, that is ridiculous,” said Rep. Ashley Aune, a Democrat.
Rep. Ann Kelley, the Republican lawmaker who proposed the change, said it was done to ensure decorum and mirror the men’s dress code. That dress code requires male lawmakers to wear a jacket, shirt and tie. “You would think that all you would have to do is say, ‘dress professionally’ and women could handle it,” said Kelley.
This debate is not unique to Missouri though. The National Conference of State Legislatures said at least half of all states have a formalized dress code in place for both men and women. But gender-specific differences in how the lines are drawn is being viewed increasingly as culturally insensitive and sexist. It has prompted places like Wyoming to adopt gender neutral policies last year. Congressional lawmakers at the federal level also had their dress code rules updated under former House Speaker Paul Ryan in 2017.
