I finally can share the news now that the Tennessee legislative session is finished."
"Don't Say Gay" is dead.
Due to extensive lobbying and phone calls, the "Don't Say Gay" bill is dead.
The Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) sent out this email yesterday:
With the final gavel marking the end of the 107th Tennessee General Assembly, we can safely announce the defeat of the "Don't Say Gay" bill (HB229/SB049)! And Knoxville made Tennessee proud tonight as the latest local government to approve an employment non-discrimination ordinance that includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity!
Tennessee Equality Project fought the Don't Say Gay bill for six long years. In the last two years, sponsors Sen. Stacey Campfield and Rep. Joey Hensley made it their mission to marginalize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and families in Tennessee's public schools.
But they did not succeed!
I've known it was essentially dead for a few weeks but was asked not to share by the lobbyists involved.
This is great news...but still more work is to be done.
Also, in related Tennessee news...
The Knoxville city council voted unanimously in favor of a non-discrimination ordinance. This is the first local government in Tennessee to enact a LGBT-inclusive ordinance with no opposition.
Forward we go...