Vital VOICE Political columnist and PROMO Executive Director A.J. Bockelman interviews Missouri Attorney General and likely gubernatorial candidate, Chris Koster. Missouri’s highest ranking law enforcement officer touches on LGBT equality in the Show Me State and how he sees LGBT rights advancing in the conservative trending state.
Vital VOICE: Tell us about your background and what got you interested in politics?
Chris Koster: My path was not the traditional one. I was never in student government or studied political science; I grew up the son of a sportswriter so my early days revolved around spending time with my father down at the old ball park. When I was at the University of Missouri as a first year law student, I worked for the Attorney General’s office, first as an intern, then as an assistant AG, from 1988 to 1992. Before that, I had never met a politician, much less one people said would soon be Governor. I had never been to the State Capitol or the Supreme Court; I had never seen government in action. But I found immediately that watching government work, watching what we now refer to as “the old Senate” debate in the spring afternoon, was as exciting to me as watching Joe Torre play third base as a boy.
The same enthusiasm that I had for sports as a child was transferred over to what I do today, and honestly, my care for it, and my belief that what we do in Jefferson City matters in the lives of my fellow citizens, has only grown over the past twenty-five years.
VV: At the time, social issues were highlighted as one of the reasons why you switched parties from Republican to Democrat. How has that decision impacted you?
CK: I feel that the switch has allowed me more freedom to look at all aspects of issues, and to make decisions based on what is right for Missourians, what is right for the state, rather than what is best for a particular party. I feel that I have a unique viewpoint on issues, and I try to approach each issue with an open mind. I am loyal to my party, but I do not follow any party line blindly. And in the long run, I believe that approach and freedom lead to better decision-making.
VV: In 2009 you appointed Joan Gummels to be a liaison between the LGBT community and your office. Not long after that, your office also
CK: The main motivation is actually quite simple, and compelling: that equality in the workplace, in housing and public accommodations is a fundamental human and civil right. During my time in the Senate, I also had the opportunity to work side-by-side with Sen. Jolie Justus, who has done an outstanding job for her district across the board. I believe she has caused many members of the General Assembly to look at issues of sexual orientation in a new – and more open-minded – light.
During Equality Day 2010, I met with a group from PROMO and SAGE. We discussed efforts to include sexual orientation in the Missouri Human Rights Act, and how some legislators are not aware of the types of discrimination in employment and housing that people actually experience. Since sexual orientation isn’t currently protected, there is no state office to register these incidents. I offered to begin accepting questionnaires, for those who wished to relay their experiences. Anyone who wants to complete one can contact our office.
VV: What opportunities do you still see possible in the future for the LGBT community in Missouri?
CK: While many challenges still lie ahead, I believe groups like PROMO have made important progress for the community. I have great faith that the efforts to expand the Missouri Human Rights Act will succeed in the near future. I included a prohibition against discrimination based on sexual orientation in my own office’s policies, and Governor Nixon issued an executive order last year for state agencies. More and more corporations acknowledge LGBT rights as a good business practice. We have seen municipalities extend protections by ordinance, recently in Columbia and University City. I look forward to opportunities to work together and ensure civil rights for all.
BY: A.J. BOCKELMAN
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