Missouri Republican Dress Code for Women Condemned: ‘So Many Questions’

Missouri House Republicans’ decision on Wednesday to toughen the dress code for women legislators has sparked criticism and outrage on social media, with many asking why no similar rule was in place for men.

The new act, which banned female legislators from going bare-handed while in the chamber and initially called for a mandatory blazer, was pushed by Missouri Republican Representative Ann Kelley during the opening session of the House.

The proposed changes reportedly stem from last year’s session, when several MPs complained that some of their female counterparts were not dressing to the required standard. The update was immediately rejected by Missouri House Democrats, who questioned whether changing the assembly dress code really was that high on the list of priorities.

But despite the criticism, the act was eventually passed with several amendments, allowing women legislators to wear cardigans and jackets indoors, but preventing them from showing their bare hands to “maintain a formal and professional atmosphere”.

The dress code for women MPs now states that “proper attire for women is business attire, including a jacket worn with a dress, skirt, or trousers, and dress shoes or boots.”

News of the decision in Missouri’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives sparked significant backlash online, with many questioning the need to control the way women dress in the chamber.

“Wait. Why are only MEN allowed to go barefoot? I have so many questions…” author David Brin wrote on Twitter.

“Reminds me of parish school rules for girls in the 60’s: no teased hair, no bare arms, no white blouses (boys probably saw your training bra) & no above-knee skirt hems . Gosh,” commented journalist and writer Jill Geisler.

Journalist and feminist activist Mona Eltahawy pointed out that the law tightening the dress code for female legislators was introduced by a woman, calling Kelley “Proof A of the warrior of the patriarchy.”

“When we talk about how gendered legislatures are, dress codes and decrees are valuable proxies,” tweeted Kelly Dittmar, director of research at the Center for American Women and Politics. “Remember that it is necessary to elect more women to Congress to push back the law against women wearing pants (upholding outdated norms of femininity).”

news week have contacted the Rep team. Kelley for comment.

The current men’s dress code states that “proper attire for men is business attire, including a jacket, tie, dress pants, and dress shoes or boots.” No updates are proposed to these house rules as of Wednesday.