Media Release: Advancing Equality Day on the Hill

March 11, 2013                                                               

TEP’s 9^th annual Advancing Equality Day on the Hill highlights clergy support, new fronts in the battle for equality in Tennessee

Nashville, TN—The Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), a statewide organization advocating equal rights for Tennessee’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, will hold its 9^th annual Advancing Equality Day on the Hill on Tuesday, March 12 in Nashville. 

This year’s events 

-feature a clergy prayer breakfast at Legislative Plaza and constituent meetings with 17 senators and 37 representatives followed by a press conference,

-highlight new fronts in the battle for equality in Tennessee,

-and are designed to address bills affecting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, which are up for key votes this week and the next. 

The Legislation

SB514/HB1185—This bill would allow students in counseling, psychology, and social work programs at Tennessee’s public universities to opt out of serving certain clients if they have a religious objection.  The examples cited by advocates for the bill and even mentioned during a recent Senate Education Committee hearing focus on opting out of serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.  The bill is set for a vote by the full Senate on Monday evening (March 11).

SB234/HB1332—The new Don’t Say Gay bill includes provisions that would require school personnel to out students who come to them about issues of sexuality and gender.  A recent MTSU poll showed that a clear majority of people in Tennessee oppose the bill.  Rep. John Ragan, the House sponsor, has received over 1400 emails and hundreds of phone calls urging him to withdraw the bill.  His legislative assistant has told citizens calling his office that the bill is being rewritten.  

SB1241/HB1150—The bill is a new version of legislation designed to punish Vanderbilt University for its inclusive all-comers non-discrimination policy for student clubs.  It threatens Vanderbilt with removal of its police force.  The harms to public safety embodied in the bill are obvious, as is the animus toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.  The bill is up in the House Education Subcommittee on March 12 and up in the Senate Education Committee on March 13.

SB1241/HB927—For the first time legislation has been introduced to enhance the state’s anti-school bullying efforts by adding protections enumerating factors such as disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation since these factors are often the basis for bullying.  The bill should be up in committee in the next two weeks.

The Events

TEP Foundation and Clergy for Justice Anti-Bullying Prayer Breakfast—The event takes place Tuesday, March 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Legislative Plaza cafeteria.  Clergy and other guests will hear presentations on school bullying issues to help them advocate for safe schools in Tennessee.

Constituent meetings with Legislators—Citizens from Memphis, Jackson, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Cookeville, Crossville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Maryville, and the Tri-Cities will meet with their senators and representatives throughout the day on March 12 to discuss bills important to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.

Press conference—TEP will hold a press conference at 1:00 on March 12 at the top of the escalator in Legislative Plaza to discuss important legislation and to make public the Tennessee Human Rights Statement and the businesses, religious organizations, and community organizations that have endorsed it.  The Tennessee Human Rights Statement provides a stark contrast to the discriminatory legislation filed this session and shows the beginnings of a new inclusiveness emerging in Tennessee.  

For more information on the Tennessee Equality Project, go to http://www.tnequalityproject.org .

Contact us at chris@tnequalityproject.com .

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Thanks to supporters of TEP's Day on the Hill in Nashville

Tennessee Equality Project is grateful to the following organizations and businesses

who supported the 8th Annual Advancing Equality Day on the Hill.

Please support them!

 OutCentral - Nashville's GLBTQIF Cultural Center

 

 Nashville in Harmony

Canvas Lounge

The Rymer Gallery

Good news from George Takei

Many thanks to a local reporter in Memphis for sharing the following response from George Takei's publicist. From the response, it appears that Mr. Karns is difficult to contact.

From: Michael Karns
Date: March 9, 2012 10:32:56 AM CST
To: Jared Burrow
Subject: Re: "It's OK to Be Takei" Press Question

Hi Jared,

George Takei donates 100% of his profits from all merchandise sales to his favorite charities at different levels, including The Human Rights Campaign, The Japanese American National Museum, and the Old Globe Theater in San Diego.  Thanks for your question!  May I ask how you received my email address? Just out of curiosity.

Best,
Michael Karns

On Fri, Mar 9, 2012 at 7:27 AM, Jared Burrow  wrote:
Greetings.
My name is Jared Burrow.
I am currently working on an article about the various anti-LGBT practices in Tennessee.  While doing so, I discovered George Takei's video directed towards Tennessee lawmakers.
In the video, Takei states that proceeds from his "It's OK to Be Takei" merchandise would go to charity, however he fails to mention which charity.
For the purpose of my article, I would like to request information as to which charities these proceeds are going to.
Thank you,
Jared Burrow

We're glad to see the mystery solved. The Human Rights Campaign frequently partners with Tennessee Equality Project in our work here in Tennessee. HRC regularly promotes equality advocacy in Tennessee through support of TEP's Advancing Equality Day on the Hill (which is next Tuesday) and petitions against anti-LGBT legislation in Tennessee like the Don't Say Gay bill. TEP is a grateful recipient of past HRC grants for our local lobbying work.

So it does appear that George Takei has plotted a course toward equality. To which we say: WARP SPEED AHEAD!

I'm angry

I'm angry today.

I'm agonizing over yet another suicide of a young gay teen in Tennessee. It's the second loss in as many months. Phillip died because he could not escape the endless bullying from his peers. He died because he lived in a world where being gay made him a target. He died scared, hopeless and alone. 

Will Batts is the Executive Director of the
Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center.

I feel a rage building inside me. This is not the world we want for our kids. This is not an environment where LGBTQ kids can prosper and succeed. You know what it's like. Those of you who grew up gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer...you know what it's like to be afraid, to be bullied, to be ridiculed, to feel alone. Some of us had it worse than others. But most of us have felt that knot in the pit of our stomachs when someone finds out we're not straight. We all remember the anxiety the first time we said to another person "I have something to tell you" or "I have a secret." Many of us remember feeling afraid for our safety. Some of us have survived damaging abuse. I can only imagine the pain that led Phillip and too many others to want an end to their suffering. But WE CANNOT let that be the end of the story. We CANNOT let suicide be the way that our kids find relief. 

All of us who work for LGBTQ equality in Tennessee want this to end. We want a better world for our kids and our friends. But this is not about us today. This is not a request to donate to MGLCC. This is a request for your voice and your presence. 

We have a legislature that actively targets the LGBTQ community. We have a legislature that wants us to be hidden and silent and ostracized. We have a legislature that wants to give religious exemptions to bullies. We have a legislature that wants teachers prohibited from even acknowledging our existence. These horrific laws must be stopped. Their passage means a perpetuation of the dangerous environment where our kids find no relief or refuge. 

YOU have an opportunity to make a difference. See...part of the problem is that we don't have enough folks raising their voices and shouting that this must end. I know it can be scary to take a stand. Doing so might threaten our jobs, our position in the community, or simply make us uncomfortable. But somewhere in Tennessee, in a small town of 2,000 people, there is a little kid who needs each one of us to stand up to our legislators and say "STOP! Stop targeting our community. Stop making it easier to hurt our kids. Stop denying us equal protection. Stop attacking our right to live in peace!" 

Tennessee Equality Project coordinates a day for us to speak one-on-one to our legislators. This is the 8th year for Advancing Equality Day on the Hill. The date is Tuesday, March 13, in Nashville. I am asking each one of you to show up that day and respectfully demand that our legislature stop targeting our community. We have people in our city, and in small towns all over this state, who are looking to us to lead. They are praying for some kind of relief. They need our help. We won't be able to stop this overnight. But neither can we wait for a better time to fight. The attacks on our community must end.

Signed,

Will Batts

Executive Director

Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center 

Reprinted with permission.

TAKE ACTION against bad legislation to be heard in the Tennessee Legislature this Week!

Use your voice to fight against legislation which negatively impacts lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in Tennessee. Participate in each of these petitions to send a message to members of legislative committees hearing legislation this week to protect the equality of LGBT people.

On March 1, the Senate State & Local Government Committee will hear legislation (SB 0630) that will take away the right of local communities to improve the lives of their citizens and give contractors special rights to discriminate against their workers.  On March 2, the House General Subcommittee of Commerce will hear the house version of this legislation (HB0598). As introduced, the “Special Access to Discriminate Act” will prohibit local governments from enacting non-discrimination provisions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees of government contractors. SB 0630 will also prohibit local governments from enacting fair wage laws for employees of government contractors. 

Learn more and click through the next two petitions to send messages to committees of both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly:

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

On Wednesday, March 2, the House General Sub-committee of State and Local Government will hear legislation that will suppress voting in Tennessee. HB0007 & HB0402 will require Tennessee citizens to present photo identification before voting in elections. Each proposed law will create extra hassles for many citizens without a photo ID when voting, including people who are poor, elderly, transgender or those who have religious objections to being photographed. HB0007 & HB0402 may force some citizens to complete extra paperwork not currently required and raises the risk of harassment and disenfranchisement of such voters.

Click through this petition to send a message to members of the House General Sub-Committee of State & Local Government to vote against HB0007 and HB0402:

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Advancing Equality Day on the Hill on is just two days away. If you'll be with us on March 1, be sure to attend the Senate State and Local Government Committee hearing on SB0630 at 10:30 AM in Room 12 LP of Legislative Plaza.

If you cannot be with us on the Hill to advocate for the advancement and protections of equality, encourage your friends and family in Tennessee to participate in the above message campaigns. We must all do our part to ensure equality is protected.


You can help TEP advance and protect equality in this 107th Tennessee General Assembly by making a contribution today. Click here to make a financial commitment to the cause. 


- Jonathan Cole

TN General Assembly offers good and bad legislation for LGBT people

Tennessee Equality Project is actively monitoring the following bills in the 107th General Assembly of the State of Tennessee. While not exhaustive, this list contains legislation in this session that may advance or threaten the equality of LGBT people and their families. Click the bill number links for the most current status of legislation and learn more about these bills and their potential impact on Advancing Equality Day on the Hill on March 1. - Jonathan Cole

CRIMINAL LAW

Sentence enhancements when gender identity motivates crime. (SB0314/ HB0188). Includes "gender identity or expression", rather than gender alone, on the list of motivations behind committing a crime that may be considered for sentence enhancement. (S: Marrero; H: Richardson).

EDUCATION

“Abstinence-Centered” Sex Education (SB 1305/ HB 1352). As introduced, implements an integrated sex education program in place of the family life curriculum and authorizes parents to maintain an action against an outside instructor or organization for teaching students about material prohibited by the curriculum guidelines. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 49 and Title 68. (S: Johnson J.; H: Dunn).

Teaching of sexuality in elementary and middle schools (SB0049/ HB0229). Prohibits a public elementary school or middle school from the teaching of or furnishing of materials on human sexuality other than heterosexuality. (S: Campfield; H: Dunn).

Student participation in extracurricular activities (SB0426/ HB0432). Requires schools to notify parents or legal guardians of all clubs and organizations available to students attending such school by displaying such information in the student handbooks or policy guidebooks. Prohibits a school from allowing a student to become a member or participate in any activities of a club or organization if the parent or legal guardian of such student has tendered a written communication prohibiting such student from such membership or participation. (S: Campfield; H: Hill).

Schools must create policies to discourage cyber-bullying (SB0488/ HB0301). Defines cyber-bullying. Requires each school to implement policies against cyber-bullying and send a copy of the policy to the commissioner of education. Encourages school employees, students, and volunteers to report cyber-bullying, in addition to other forms of intimidation. (S: Ketron; H: Curtiss).

Policies regarding harassment, intimidation and bullying (SB0760/ HB1153). Clarifies terms and policies associated with harassment, intimidation and bullying. Adds that the policy prohibiting bullying shall not be interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students and shall not prohibit their expression of religious, philosophical, or political views; as long as such expression does not include a threat of physical harm to a student or damage to a student's property. (S:Tracy; H: Dennis).

Policies on harassment and bullying (SB1923/ HB1105). As introduced, requires an LEA revising its policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying, which was filed with the commissioner of education, to transmit the revised policy to the commissioner. - Amends TCA Title 49. (S: Woodson; H: Montgomery).

VITAL RECORDS

Birth certificate changes upon sworn statement (SB0313/ HB0187). Allows a person's birth certificate to be changed to reflect a change of that person's gender upon a sworn statement by a certain medical or mental health professional. (S: Marrero; H: Richardson).

VOTING RIGHTS

Photo ID required to vote (SB 0016/ HB 0007). As introduced, requires a voter to present qualified photographic identification before voting; voters without proper identification shall be allowed to cast provisional ballots. (S: Ketron; H: Maggart).

Photo ID required to vote (SB 0375/ HB 0402). As introduced, requires a voter to present qualified photographic identification before voting; voters without proper identification shall be allowed to cast provisional ballots. (S: Bell; H: Watson).

HEALTH CARE

Board of medical examiners to regulate genetic counselors (SB 0791/ HB0344). Recognizes that the board of medical examiners has the power to promulgate rules and regulations to administer the Genetic Counselors Licensing Act. (S: Overbey; H: Ramsey B.)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Equal Access” to Intrastate Commerce Act (SB 0630/HB0598). Enacts the "Equal Access to Intrastate Commerce Act." Prohibits a local government from imposing an anti-discrimination standard that deviates or supplements the definition of "discriminatory practices" already existing in Tennessee Code Annotated. Prohibits any local government from imposing on any person health insurance benefits, minimum wage, or family leave requirements that deviates from state or federal statutorily recognized requirements. (S: Ketron; H: Casada)

"Equal Access" to Intrastate Commerce Act (SB0631/ HB0601). Enacts the "Equal Access to Intrastate Commerce Act." Prohibits a local government from imposing an anti-discrimination standard that deviates or supplements the definition of "discriminatory practices" already existing in Tennessee Code Annotated. Establishes that the only anti-discrimination employment practices or standards that may be legally enacted by a local government with respect to any person must be limited to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin. Prohibits any local government from imposing on any person health insurance benefits, minimum wage, or family leave requirements that deviates from state or federal statutorily recognized requirements. (S:Ketron; H: Casada)

“Equal Access” to Intrastate Commerce Act (SB0632/ HB0600). Enacts the "Equal Access to Intrastate Commerce Act." Prohibits a local government from imposing an anti-discrimination standard that deviates or supplements the definition of "discriminatory practices" already existing in Tennessee Code Annotated. (S:Ketron; H: Casada).

HUMAN RIGHTS

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation (SB 1132/ HB 1317). As introduced, adds sexual orientation to the list of characteristics on which discrimination is prohibited in employment, public accommodations, and housing and financing. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 21; Title 8 and Title 50. (S: Marrero; H: Jones S.)

Gumbo as metaphor

On Sunday, February 20, Tennessee Equality Project will host its third Mardi Gras Party and its first Gumbo Tasting Competition in Memphis. During this highly political season with an ordinance expanding LGBT-inclusive workplace protections in Nashville and several bills affecting LGBT people and their families filed in the General Assembly, it's nice to take a break - if only for an afternoon.

I've learned to appreciate gumbo in profound ways.  Good gumbo takes time to make. My partner and I enjoy cooking gumbo together, and it can take all day. Years ago, we learned the basics: making a rich stock, choosing tasty combinations of seafood, vegetables and spices, and gradually heating the right ratio of flour and fat to make roux. Over time, we've experimented with different ingredients. But even when we don't vary much from our favorite recipe, our gumbo is always a little different each time.

Making gumbo is a lot like the struggle for equality. To advance equality, you need the right combination of ingredients prepared in just the right way. You start with your base of supporters (your stock). Then you add allies to join the cause (a diverse mix of ingredients). When it's time to advance your cause, you engage in the struggle. To me, the struggle is a lot like making roux over a hot stove. If you're not careful you can burn your roux - or yourself! But with patience, constant stirring and a watchful eye, the results can be so satisfying. When done right, gumbo is a labor of love.

I hope you're as hungry for equality as you are for gumbo. Join us this Sunday from 4:30-7 PM at the Hi-Tone Cafe at 1913 Poplar Avenue. The $10 admission benefits the work of Tennessee Equality Project. Learn more about the event on Facebook.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

- Jonathan Cole

Senator Campfield targets LGBT youth with potentially anti-GSA bill

Sen. Stacey Campfield of Knoxville appears obsessed with LGBT people in Tennessee. Early in the session, he filed the "Don't Say Gay in School" bill that would prohibit discussion or instruction in grades K-8 about homosexuality in the classroom. Now, the Senator and Rep. Matthew Hill of Jonesborough have introduced a bill that may discourage student participation in Gay Straight Alliances in Tennessee schools. The bill specifies that:

Each school shall notify the parents or legal guardians of all clubs and organizations available to students attending such school by prominently displaying the information in the school's student handbook, or other standard or policy guidebook that contains the policies and procedures of the school and is distributed annually.

Without directly saying so, this bill potentially targets lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students looking for support, information and resources. The bill goes on to require that:

No school shall permit a student to become a member or participate in any activities of a club or organization if the parent or legal guardian of such student has tendered a written communication prohibiting such student from such membership or participation. In order to be valid, the written communication shall be signed and dated by the parent or legal guardian.

What does this mean? If a parent reviews published information about clubs and organizations from their child's school , it's up to the parent to express to the school in writing that they don't want their child to participate in certain clubs and organizations. The legislation does not require students to obtain a permission slip signed by the parent in order to participate in school clubs and organizations.

However, there is a risk that school administrators could interpret this law to mean that permission slips are a preferred avenue to adhere to this proposed law.

Imagine, if you will, a young gay student whose parents have expressed hostility toward LGBT people going to those same parents to ask them to sign a permission slip to join his school's Gay Straight Alliance. A permission slip system for school clubs could increase the isolation that many LGBT students experience.

Students who are LGBT or questioning may need a safe space in a school-sponsored Gay Straight Alliance to ask questions about human sexuality. It would be wrong to create unnecessary road blocks for students seeking information and resources. The proposed legislation could be strengthened with language explicitly stating that students are not required to obtain prior parental permission to participate in student clubs and organizations.
A permission slip system for school clubs and organizations could create an atmosphere of hostility in schools and in our community. With all the completed suicides among LGBT youth we heard about in 2010, we don't want this legislation to become life-threatening to the young people of Tennessee.

It's vital that each of us make a commitment to encourage our legislators to make schools safer for all students on March 1 during Advancing Equality Day on the Hill. Follow these easy steps to participate:

1. Call your legislators' offices to schedule your appointment (Find contact information here). Your legislator may not know his or her schedule when you call, so keep calling for an appointment up until the week before March 1.
2. When your appointment is made, enter your appointment details at Tennessee Equality Project's Legislator Appointment Tracker. Contact Michelle Bliss at Michelle@tnequalityproject.com with questions.

- Jonathan Cole

This post was edited after its original posting.