Send thanks to the Senators who supported equality

Sen. Jim Kyle (D-Memphis)

Sen. Jim Kyle's bill (SB2762) that would have repealed HB600/SB632 failed by a vote of 2 to 6 in the Senate State and Local Government Committee today. Senators Thelma Harper (D) and Joe Haynes (D) voted yes. Senators Stacey Campfield (R), Mike Faulk (R), Jack Johnson (R), Bill Ketron (R), Mark Norris (R) and Ken Yager (R) voted against. Senator Lowe Finney (D) was absent.

B2762 would have restored the Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance which extended LGBT-inclusive workplace protections to employees of Metro Nashville contractors. The legislation would have affirmed the right of all local governments in Tennessee to act in their communities best interest in protecting its citizens from unfair workplace practices.

Thanks to all of you for writing to the committee and to Sen. Kyle for his work.  This vote is one stepping stone in the path full equality in the workplace for Tennesseans. Tennessee Equality Project will continue to fight for equality in the workplace for LGBT people in our state.

Take a moment to write a thank you note to Senator Jim Kyle at sen.jim.kyle@capitol.tn.gov for his courage and conviction in seeking to repeal the "Special Access to the Discriminate Act" (HB600/SB632). Be sure to thank Senator Thelma Harper  at sen.thelma.harper@capitol.tn.gov and Joe Haynes at sen.joe.haynes@capitol.tn.gov for their votes.

- Jonathan Cole