The Day the Tide Turned: August 18, 2009

Two years ago on August 18, things changed in Tennessee. Two years ago on that night, I knew the movement for equality was finally going somewhere.

Two years ago on August 18, a non-discrimination ordinance that included both sexual orientation and gender identity passed a critical second reading in Nashville's Metro Council. And it was the first time that ever happened in our state. Introduced by Councilwoman At-Large Megan Barry (pictured right the night it passed on third reading) and several other sponsors, the bill went through with a few bumps but relatively unscathed. But by the end of the night we knew we were close to victory. That night set the stage for so many things to come well beyond September 25 when Mayor Karl Dean signed the NDO into law.

Realizing the NDO's Potential: Fast forward to late November/early December 2010. We began hearing reports that Belmont University was, to put it mildly, having difficulties dealing with their lesbian soccer coach,Lisa Howe, who had announced that she and her partner were having a baby. Given Metro's relationship with Belmont and some of with its key leaders a period of anguished public soul-searching began in Nashville that resulted in Council Members Jamie Hollin, Erica Gilmore, and Mike Jameson filing the Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance that finally passed on April 5 of this year. Along the way Mayor Karl Dean instructed Metro's boards and commissions to update their non-discrimination policies to include sexual orientation and gender identity. But both developments were predicated on the principle enunciated in the 2009 non-discrimination ordinance for Metro government employees. It was the foundation of both advances.

Gathering Storm: More ominous developments were brewing, too, which promised to take the debate statewide. Fast on the heels of the CAN DO bill's introduction, Family Action Council of Tennessee, Rep. Glen Casada, and some Evangelical members of the business community gathered at LifeWay to develop strategies to undo CAN DO. Rep. Casada proposed three bills, but ended up running the infamous HB600 that eventually passed and was signed by Governor Bill Haslam. But that would not be the whole story. In the process, Tennessee's four largest cities for the first time actively lobbied against an anti-equality bill. The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce was forced to reverse its position on the bill because of a national outcry assisted considerably by the work of Garden State Equality and Americablog. The Shelby County Commission and several local lawmakers from around the state also opposed the bill. People across the state, across the country took sides on the issue of job discrimination in Tennessee.

Going to Court: Informal discussions of a court challenge emerged in January when the HB600 was introduced. In June Abby Rubenfeld filed suit on behalf of several plaintiffs including Lisa Howe and three members of the Metro Council. But the question of how involved Metro would be in an official capacity lingered. Now we have the answer. This week the Metro Council passed Councilwoman Kristine LaLonde's non-binding resolution asking the Metro Law Department to file an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit. The following day, the City Paper's Joey Garrison reported that the Metro Law Department will file such a brief putting the Metropolitan Government squarely in the fight against the discriminatory state law.

What's Next?: We couldn't have predicted all the potential, both good and bad, that warm August night held two years ago. The passage of HB600 was definitely a low point in the battle for equality in Tennessee. But it's only a pause on the journey that started with Metro BL2009-502. The power of what started with the NDO is not nearly spent. The coalition that came together to pass that ordinance has grown stronger and the conversation continues to expand throughout Tennessee.

-Chris Sanders

Rebuff of Legislature on the Agenda of Council Meeting

The 2007-2011 term of the Metropolitan Council could end with a bang, specifically a bang directed at the 107th General Assembly. The agenda contains two resolutions aimed squarely at two anti-equality bills that were prominent in this year's coverage of the Legislature.

RS2011-1810 by Councilwoman Kristine LaLonde urges the Metro Law Department to file an amicus brief in the court challenge to HB600, the Special Access to Discriminate law that nullified the Metro Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

RS2011-1812 by Councilman Jamie Hollin honors the Nashville high school students who protested against the Don't Say Gay bill.

These resolutions, while non-binding, highlight two approaches to fighting back against a Legislature that has clearly shifted too far to the Right and meddled in the prerogatives of local government. They also represent a fitting end to the term of a Council that has led the way for the cause of equality in Tennessee.

Clerk controversies will also take up a good chunk of the Council's business on Tuesday. A resolution calling for the resignation of County Clerk John Arriola and the selection of the new Criminal Court Clerk are also on the agenda. TEP PAC has endorsed Steven Murff for Criminal Court Clerk.

To contact the Council about these resolutions and the selection of the Criminal Court Clerk, go to this page. Remember that everyone in Davidson County has one district Council Member and you are also represented by all 5 Council Members At-Large. The form at the link allows you to contact all 40 Council Members about any of these matters, if you prefer. Please, make sure to include your home address when contacting the Council and be polite!

-Chris Sanders

Gratitude for some departing Metro Council Members

We don't know what's going to happen on Election Day yet, but we do know that some Council Members will not be returning either because of term limits or because they chose not to run for their seat again.

I want to single out five of them for a word of thanks:

Greg Adkins: Councilman Adkins represents District 26 and served a term as pro tem of the body. Though he had to recuse himself from the Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance votes because of a conflict of interest, he supported the 2009 non-discrimination ordinance. His knowledge of state government no doubt came in handy on many occasions during his term. I am grateful for his support for equality.

Erik Cole: Councilman Cole represents District 7 and was masterful in word and strategy on the floor of the Council during debates. A sponsor of the 2009 non-discrimination ordinance, he led the fight against a substitute ordinance by amending it to include gender identity. His action saved the day. He was also a supporter of the Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance. In Erik's case, I have to say "Damned term limits" and that I hope he'll seek office in the future.

Jamie Hollin: Councilman Hollin represents District 5 and pound-for-pound packs more fight than just about any elected official in the state. There is no telling the number of hours he spent as a sponsor working for the Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance and fighting against HB600. The battle for CAN DO was always uphill, but Jamie made sure we ran. Even if he doesn't ever seek office again, I know he'll continue to be an ally, as we've seen from his encouragement to the students protesting the Don't Say Gay bill.

Mike Jameson: Councilman Jameson represents District 6 and really stood up for his constituents as sponsor of the Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance and as a sponsor of the 2009 non-discrimination ordinance. Mike made it very easy for TEP to support CAN DO because he considered us a partner in helping pass the bill. His communication style allowed us to adjust strategy at several points as discussion of the bill developed. As a plaintiff in the lawsuit against HB600, he continues the fight for equality.

Kristine LaLonde: Councilwoman LaLonde represents District 18 and has been an ally from way back. Before she was even considering a Council bid, she reached out to our community and sought ways to be involved. And I'll never forget that after TEP PAC endorsed David Glasgow for the seat she now holds, she reached out again during the race and personally reiterated her commitment. As a Council Member, she followed through, signing on as a sponsor of the non-discrimination ordinance and supporting CAN DO. She has also worked on the inside at Belmont to bring change to the university's policies for a more inclusive environment.

On behalf of the Tennessee Equality Project, I want to thank them all for their support of equality during a critical time in Tennessee's history and for their service to Metro Nashville. History will look back on this Metro Council as one of the most important and they helped make it one of the most progressive ever.

Gratefully,
Chris Sanders

Boxing Day Edition : Deserved Praise and Questionable Blame

Calendar Notes: It's Boxing Day. Of course, it's Sunday, too. So I'm not sure whether those in the former British Empire get tomorrow off or not. But here's hoping they do. It's also St. Stephen's Day or the Feast of Stephen--you remember, the day that prompted Good King Wenceslas to look out "when the snow lay round about/ Deep and crisp and even." Seems fitting for today.

Praise: Speaking of good, there's a great piece in today's Commercial Appeal titled "12 Who Made a Difference." And one of them is TEP's own chairman Jonathan Cole.

Cole said one of the things the group has been successful at is "engaging the GLBT community in a more formal way in the political process.

"If we don't send a message to our local leaders, then we can't expect leaders we send to Washington to express those same values."

The list of cities more progressive than Memphis on GLBT issues is long, but Cole is staying put.

"Do I ever want to give up? I will take breaks, but I don't feel I need to throw up my hands yet," he said.

The fight for equality "is not for summer soldiers and the sunshine patriots. It's a commitment for the long haul."

Amen to that!

Blame?: In my view, there's been some odd criticism of some folks who have been great supporters of equality legislation in Nashville.

Let's start with yesterday's Tennessean. It included a piece about 18th District Councilwoman Kristine LaLonde and her role in the Belmont University controversy. LaLonde was a cosponsor of the 2009 Metro non-discrimination ordinance She has spoken about the conversations occurring inside Belmont to make the campus more welcoming. As a faculty member she is a voice for equality. We shouldn't forget that it was the faculty resolutions on this issue that prompted trustee emeritus Mike Curb to get involved in the matter. If the Belmont Board of Trustees is going to make a change, it will require concerted action from the faculty and from benefactors like Mike Curb to move things along. So while I understand the source of the questions that some have raised, I would hate for people to lose sight of the factors that will actually bring change to Belmont and the role LaLonde is playing. Besides, the bill revoking Belmont's Rose Park lease has been deferred indefinitely, so that piece of the puzzle is a moot point now.

My thoughts would be along the same lines with respect to Mayor Karl Dean. The Mayor just recently sent a letter to boards, commissions, and authorities asking them to update their non-discrimination policies to match's Metro's in response to the inflammatory comments by the Belmont board chair/Convention Center Authority chair. The Convention Center Authority has already updated its policy. However, there have been a few complaints that the Mayor should have taken this action in 2009. Sure, and why not long before that, for that matter? But here's the thing. When we were working with the Mayor and allied Council Members on the non-discrimination ordinance, we asked for a very focused ordinance that would have impact and pass. No one in 2009 talked about the boards, commissions, and authorities. We either assumed the ordinance would cover those bodies or it didn't occur to us. In 2009 the Mayor and allied Council Members did everything they were asked to do in supporting the bill. That includes speaking publicly for it, working on strategy for it, voting for it, signing it, and implementing it. It is the first law of its kind in Tennessee and it happened because people worked together like a symphony.

It's going to be tough to pass something like the bill requiring vendors contracting with Metro Government to have an inclusive non-discrimination policy if we aren't focused on keeping our friends from the 2009 effort motivated to stick together. After a snowy holiday, let's get back to work on making something positive happen.

-Chris Sanders

Congratulations, Kristine LaLonde

The results are in, according to the City Paper. Kristine LaLonde has won the District 18 Metro Council seat by a vote of 672 to 476, beating Stephenie Dodson. LaLonde was endorsed by MNEA, labor groups, Women in Numbers, and TEP PAC.

I was working the poll at Eakin Elementary this morning and this afternoon through minor episodes of rain and a stream of people that was more parents and children than voters. Kristine's campaign clearly showed they know how to turn out their voters.

Congratulations to Kristine and to the people of District 18. You have elected a thoughtful, energetic Council Member. Everyone at TEP looks forward to working with you.

*Pictured above are Kristine LaLonde, Krissa Barclay, and Keith Merrill this morning at Eakin.

TEP PAC to host reception for Kristine LaLonde at home of David Glasgow

From the invitation from TEP PAC chair Jenny Ford:

You're invited to a reception for Metro Council District 18 candidate Kristine LaLonde on April 14 at the home of David Glasgow and Van Pond. The event takes place at 1802 Primrose Avenue. Stop by between 7:00 and 8:00 to meet Kristine and enjoy light refreshments. TEP PAC has endorsed Kristine in the runoff election because of her longstanding commitment to working for equality. We believe that she will be an effective advocate for all the residents of the 18th District. We are grateful to former Metro Council candidate and TEP PAC endorsee David Glasgow and his partner Van Pond for opening their home for this event to provide an opportunity for more members to meet this candidate.

TEP PAC endorses Kristine LaLonde in 18th District Metro Council runoff

TEP PAC has endorsed Kristine LaLonde for the Metro Council District 18 runoff. A fuller statement on the endorsement will be going out in the next day. In our previous endorsement, TEP PAC noted her longstanding commitment to and work for equality. We look forward to working with Kristine in the days ahead.

District 18: A round of congratulations and thanks

Congratulations to Kristine LaLonde and Stephenie Dodson for making the runoff in tonight's Metro Council District 18 race. And thanks to John Ray Clemmons for entering the race, too. District 18 had a good field of candidates and got courted very heavily. Your district is lucky that four good people cared so much to seek your votes.

And to David Glasgow, you ran a great campaign. We wish you had made the runoff, but you're a fighter and a class act. Thanks for all your work and the positive campaign that you ran.

Election Day

It's here. The big showdown in the 18th Metro Council district features a field of four candidates--John Ray Clemmons, Stephenie Dodson, David Glasgow, and Kristine LaLonde.

Earlier the forecast was calling for a 40 percent chance of rain with mild temperatures. As of now, we're looking at a 30 percent chance. But what effect that will have on the turnout and whose turnout is anyone's guess. The last I heard about 127 people had voted early. A long presidential race followed by English Only must have burned out most of the voters. However, they will likely have one more series of campaigns before them soon. With four candidates in the race, it would a miracle if there were not a runoff. Let's hope the fact that voters will finally get to vote in their own polling places instead of at the Election Commission will be a big boost to turnout.

The coverage of the race has been light, but what do you expect for one council district? If it weren't for the blogs, City Paper coverage, a few general pieces in the Tennessean, Liberadio, and Morning Line, most of the rest of Nashville wouldn't have had a chance at knowing that an election is even going on.

Fundraising has been vigorous. Yard signs are everywhere in the district. Personal phone calls, door knocking, robo-calls, and mailers have all confronted the voters in the 18th at every turn. Now all that's left is the voting, counting, and the parties. Kristine LaLonde's campaign will be waiting for returns at the Dog of Nashville while David Glasgow's crew will be at Zeitgeist. At this point, I haven't heard where the supporters of John Ray Clemmons and Stephenie Dodson will be gathering. But I'll be happy to add updates if I find out anything about that.

We'll have Twitter updates from Eakin Elementary tomorrow morning and from the Glasgow party tomorrow night. What will be, will be.

Finally, for something completely different, Arcadia's Election Day:

District 18 Roundup: LaLonde gets endorsement

Michael Cass is reporting that Kristine LaLonde has received the endorsement of the Central Labor Council. Congratulations, Kristine.

Nate Rau had this piece on the get-out-the-vote efforts of all four candidates. I was pleased to see that there are no attack posts in the comment section. In fact, I didn't notice any posts at all, which is unusual. The comments have been one index that the race is highly competitive, even though early voting is still slow at this point.

The Glasgow Campaign is hosting a get-out-the-vote rally at the home of David Taylor and Michael Ward in the district to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Yes, Glasgow is a Scottish name, but it's a short distance over the North Channel to the Emerald Isle, after all.

LaLonde online

Kristine LaLonde, candidate for the District 18 Metro Council seat, has a website up and running. Clearly presented and easy to use. Everyone who is in the race so far now has a website.