In a blatantly unconstitutional move likely intended to provide a pathway for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its landmark 2015 marriage equality ruling the GOP-controlled Tennessee House of Representatives today (Thursday, Feb. 19) approved a measure allowing private citizens and organizations in the state to refuse to recognize the legality of same-sex marriages.
House Bill 1473 asserts that private citizens and organizations are not bound by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and it shields individuals from professional discipline if they refuse to officiate over or celebrate same-sex wedding ceremonies.
Tennessee Equality Project issued a statement condemning the measure, saying, “Attacking the recognition of people’s marriages is one of the worst ways for the Tennessee House to spend its time. This bill sows fear about the very protections that give families security, and it fails to address real problems in our state, like emergency preparedness and the affordability crisis.
“Hate won today, but those of us fighting for love and our families will prevail here or in the courts,” the statement concludes.
The Tennessee House consists of 75 Republicans and 24 Democrats, and HB 1473 passed the House on a 68-24 vote. It must now pass the state Senate (six Democrats and 27 Republicans) and be signed by the state’s Republican governor. Bill Lee, before it becomes law. If it passes the Senate and is signed by Lee, it will take effect July 1.
— Tammye Nash