JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — An incoming Missouri Democratic lawmaker is trying to stop “Black Friday” shopping from ruining the Thanksgiving dinners of workers.

Jeff Roorda, of Barnhart, plans to file legislation that would prohibit retail stores from opening on Thanksgiving.

He has dubbed it the “Thanksgiving Family Protection Act.” He says the holiday should be about families and not about profit or greed. He says Thanksgiving should not become “Black Friday eve.”

Restaurants, gas stations and drug stores would be exempt from forced closure. Roorda says some other states also require businesses to close on that day.

He says retailers’ efforts to lure customers have left fewer hours for workers to spend time with their families on Thanksgiving.

© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.