By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Mo. – Officials in Springfield, Mo. are expected to get rid of an ordinance that prohibits people from soliciting sex with someone of the same gender. The law dates to 1976.
Springfield Councilman Doug Burlison said he called for the ordinance's removal after an uproar during the annual PrideFest celebration in June.
Burlison said he has had to explain to people that removing the ordinance does not legalize same-sex marriage, nor does it give gay people any new rights.
Springfield City Attorney Dan Wichmer said the measure had not been enforced. Instead, the he said the city follows a law that makes it illegal to have sex in public, no matter the genders of the people involved.