Will Governor Haslam stand up to the bullies in his own party?

In this week's issue of the Memphis Flyer, Copy Editor Joe Brown calls Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to task for whining about the media's coverage of embarassing legislation proposed by his party's government. Haslam recently complained that state and local media favor reporting on the bad bills moving through the Tennessee General Assembly over the "good" legislation supported by his administration. I urge you to read the entire column, but I'll quote some of the best passages.

First of all, the legislature is objectively embarrassing. There is no positive way to spin hate. The party mantra of "job creation" not only rings hollow but plainly stinks when compared to the slate of social laws that are pitched every session. What sort of jobs are you people after? Inquisitors?

A man of your privilege should know that educated people who can be depended upon to solve critical problems in medical research, logistics, and higher management don't respond well to xenophobia and witch-hunt politics. If you want the media to stop reporting this tomfoolery, then stand up for educated, well-mannered people who live here and who are horrified and ashamed by the backward and hateful agenda that apparently equates to success in our General Assembly.

The list of legislation with a conservative social agenda in the 107th Tennessee General Assembly is a long one. TEP has actively opposed a number of these bills that directly affect the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in Tennessee: the "Special Access to Discriminate Act," the "Police the Potty" bill, the "License to Bully" bill, the Anti-GSA School Clubs bill, and the "Don't Say Gay" bill . . . . the list goes on.

Brown later illustrates in his column how anti-LGBT legislation will harm our state's employers:

Anyone who has worked in management in white-collar industry knows that women and gay people are indispensable. This was once made very real to me when I was starting a business here. The potential partner in the concern was an older man, Southern and brusque. He asked me one day in talks, "What do you think of the gays?" As an open-minded child of the New South, I stalled and stuttered wondering what on earth was coming next, when he added, "If I could hire only gays, that's what I would do. They are the best people I can find." He employed many Tennesseans.

Brown understands that businesses cannot afford for the State of Tennessee to create a hostile environment for women and LGBT people without losing valuable employees. The Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Haslam are providing no incentive for talented LGBT professionals or others who want to live in vibrant, diverse communities to remain in or move into the state. Shouldn't the goal of government be to make our state a more attractive place to live and work for all people?

Brown finally warns Governor Haslam of potential consequences if he fails to keep the legislature in check:

Until you stand up to it or openly acknowledge that your party's agenda has become that of seeking lobbying money and riling up hatred, I will fail to take you or your party seriously. I sure as hell won't become a Democrat, but I will hound superstition and political avarice at every turn, because educated people read this paper and others. Their voice deserves a place in our state. Tennessee is becoming a place where educated entrepreneurs and doctors of international renown would feel unwelcome.

The final outcome of the "Don't Say Gay" bill (HB229/SB049) in the House of Representative is still unknown at this writing. HB229 may represent the Governor's last chance during this legislative session to show some backbone as an executive prepared to lead his party and the State of Tennessee. I hope he is up to the task.

- Jonathan Cole

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

Zombie Walk for Equality seeks to reanimate government

In just three days, zombies shall descend upon historic Beale Street in Memphis in search of tasty brains.

At first glance, this might appear to be an apocalypse of the undead, but it's really a protest of the lack of delicious brains in those elected to govern the State of Tennessee, Shelby County and the City of Memphis. With the passage of the Special Access to Discriminate Act (HB600/SB632) and the advance of the Don’t Say Gay bill (SB049) in 2011, there is little evidence of intelligent governance at the state level. At the local level, Memphis and Shelby County governments can’t seem to understand the importance of enacting ordinances that offer simple workplace protections for government employees. 

Will the Tennessee General Assembly continue to take away the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in 2012? Will Memphis or Shelby County ever pass ordinances that prohibit discrimination against government employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity?

Tennessee Equality Project calls on all zombies to join our search for intelligent brains in state and local government. Help us call attention to the fact that brains that value inclusion, diversity and equality not only taste better, but improve the lives of all people in our community. 

Join TEP’s Zombie Walk for Equality in the Midsouth Pride Parade on October 15, 2011. Dress up like a zombie and make a clever sign. The lineup for the walking dead starts at 1 PM at 4th and Beale Street. Step off is a 2 PM. This peaceful walking group in the pride parade is designed to be fun and find some humor in the tragedy of bad governance.

To join TEP's Zombie Walk for Equality in the Midsouth Pride Parade on October 15, 2011, here's what you need to do:

1. Tell us you plan to attend the Zombie Walk for Equality at this link.
2. Invite your friends and family to participate by sharing this post with your friends.
3. Make a clever sign with a zombie and equality theme (Keep it civil - this is a family-friendly event).
4. Dress up like a zombie (see below).
5. Line up with the other walking dead at 1 PM at 4th and Beale Street on Oct. 15. Step off is a 2 PM.

Need some help on Zombie makeup?

 

During the Midsouth Pride Festival which begins at 10 AM at Robert Church Park, the Haus of Masquerade will be painting zombie makeup from 10 AM until 1:45 PM for $20 a head (with $5 going to TEP. This is a great option for folks without makeup experience who would like to participate.

YouTube offers a number of video tutorials to help you create the perfect zombie look for those who want to create their own look. Party City at Poplar Plaza Shopping Mall has great makeup supplies for would-be zombies. Take a look at these creative examples for makeup ideas or search for your own on YouTube:

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

The unfinished business of equality in the Bluff City - Part 1

In 2010, the Memphis City Council failed to enact employment non-discrimination legislation that would provide LGBT-inclusive workplace protections to employees of Memphis City government and employees of city contractors. A resolution protecting contract employees never made it out of committee and the employment non-discrimination ordinance (ENDO) failed by one vote on second reading.

Since that time, the legal frame work for extending workplace protections to employees was narrowed by the Tennessee General Assembly with the "Special Access to Discriminate" Act (HB600/SB632). In the State of Tennessee, local governments are prohibited from protecting the employees of private employers from unfair discrimination if state law does not already protect those employees - even when those private employees are paid with your tax dollars. Tennessee Equality Project has joined other plaintiffs in a court challenge of the SAD Act. 

While the SAD Act hinders efforts in the private sector to protect employees, the City of Memphis can protect government employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. City of Memphis elections on October 6 present a new opportunity to advance workplace equality in Memphis for city employees. 

Within days, TEP PAC will announce endorsements for Memphis City Council. When this happens, we hope that you'll make a commitment to support these endorsed candidates as a volunteer for their campaigns, with contributions to fund their campaigns, and - most important - with your vote. Early voting begins Sep. 16, so there are only 5 weeks to educate voters about the equality advocates running for office. 

What will you do to help resolve the unfinished business of equality in the Bluff City?

- Jonathan Cole

TEP joins lawsuit seeking to overturn the SAD Act (HB600/SB632)

Nashville, TN, June 13, 2011. Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) is proud to join other plaintiffs in a court challenge of HB600/SB632 - also known as the “Special Access to Discriminate” Act. Nashville Attorney Abby Rubenfeld, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the law firm of Morrison and Foerster, LLP, will represent TEP.

When Governor Bill Haslam signed the SAD Act into law on May 23, he repealed Metro Nashville's Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance which protected contract employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The new law prohibits every local government in Tennessee (cities, counties and school boards) from enacting laws that protect contract employees and other employees of private companies from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The SAD Act directly targets lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees for discrimination in the State of Tennessee. But the new law also removes other local protections that are not included in State law. The collateral damage of the SAD Act is only now becoming evident:  

• Children in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools are no longer protected from discrimination in education based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Children who attend Memphis City Schools are no longer protected from discrimination in education based on sexual orientation.
• Individuals living in the City of Memphis who depend on Section 8 vouchers or SSI disability income are no longer protected from housing discrimination based on source of income. Memphians are also no longer protected from housing discrimination based on age.
• Other protections from discrimination enacted by the local governments of cities, counties and school boards of Tennessee that are not already covered by state law may have also been overturned.

The SAD Act was initiated by a radical faith-based organization whose anti-LGBT bias is out of step with the views of 89% of Americans. Their hate-based legislation hurts LGBT people, poor people, the disabled, the elderly and other groups who may need local government intervention to prohibit unfair and unequal treatment in employment, housing and education.

People want to live and work in communities that value diversity, equality and inclusion.  The SAD act leaves a stain of bigotry and intolerance on our state that must be removed if Tennessee hopes to retain and attract the best workers, professionals, entrepreneurs and businesses to our state. TEP is committed to reclaiming Tennessee as a place where all people have a right to earn a living, provide for their families, and contribute to their communities without fear of unfair discrimination.

Tennessee Equality Project fought hard to defeat the SAD Act in the legislature before it became law in Tennessee, and we will do our part to ensure a successful challenge of the law in court.

For more information, contact TEP Board Chair Jonathan Cole at jonathan@tnequalityproject.com or 901.301.3306.

Can you help overturn the Special Access to Discriminate Act?

The Tennessee General Assembly, Governor Bill Haslam and member companies of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry have taken a lot heat in local and national media in the weeks following passage of the hateful “Special Access to Discriminate” Act.

Can you help repair
the damage caused by
the SAD Act?

Proponents of the SAD Act boast that HB600/SB632 is a “first-in-the-nation” law - not realizing their responsibility in making Tennessee the last place that educated professionals, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs want to live and work. With national attention focused on the intolerance and bigotry codified in the law, it’s hard to see anything worth bragging about.

Tennessee Equality Project fought hard to defeat the Special Access to Discriminate Act (HB600/SB632) in the legislature before it became law in Tennessee, and we will do our part to ensure a successful challenge of the law in the courts.

While TEP will continue to be at front line of the fight for equality in the workplace, you might be just the right person to help overturn the SAD Act and keep similar laws from spreading to other states.

A number of people in Tennessee may be directly affected by the SAD Act, including:

1. Employees of companies who contract with Metro Nashville Government. These contract employees are no longer protected from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.
2. Children in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools are no longer protected from discrimination in education based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
3. Children who attend Memphis City Schools are no longer protected from discrimination in education based on sexual orientation.
4. Individuals living in the City of Memphis who depend on Section 8 vouchers or SSI disability income are no longer protected from housing discrimination based on source of income. Memphians are also no longer protected from housing discrimination based on age.
5. Has the local government of your city, county, or school board enacted additional protections from discrimination that are not already covered by state law? If so, people who were protected by those local provisions may no longer benefit from those protections.

Do you, your friends, or members of your family fall into any of the above categories?

If you do, you may have standing as a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the Special Access to Discrimination Act in Tennessee. Tennessee Equality Project encourages you to contact Nashville-area attorney Abby Rubenfeld for more information (parents should call on behalf of their children):

Rubenfeld Law Office

2409 Hillsboro Road, Suite 200

Nashville, Tennessee 37212

615-386-9077 / 615-386-3897 (facsimile)

arubenfeld@rubenfeldlaw.com

The Tennessee General Assembly may have adjourned for 2011, but Tennessee Equality Project continues to fight for the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in our state.

- Jonathan Cole 

Tennessee Equality Project elects new Board and Executive Officers

On Saturday, May 7, members and supporters from across Tennessee gathered in Nashville for Tennessee Equality Project's Annual Meeting to elect new Board  members for the term that begins on July 1, 2011. 

The following individuals will be returning to the Board for two-year terms: Wes Aull (Nashville), Jonathan Cole (Memphis), Brandon Hutchison (Nashville), H.G. Stovall (Hermitage), Ryan Ellis (Nashville), Latoya Belgrave (Clarksville), and Joe Rhymer (Bristol). 

New members elected to the board include Brad Palmertree (Jackson), Anne Gullick (Collierville) for two year terms and Herb Zeman (Memphis), Jennifer Swails-Wenger (Nashville) and John Winnett (Nashville) for one year terms.

The following Board members will continue in the second year of the their term: Robbie Bell, Michelle Bliss, Daniel Forrest, Anthony Johnson, Matia Powell, and Christy Tweddle.

We salute the service of those Board members who resigned from the Board during the last year: Darlene Fike, Natalie Reinoehl, and Lane Scoggin. Thanks also to Ryan Ellis (outgoing Vice President) and Christy Tweddle (outgoing At-Large) members of the Executive Committee for their service. Special thanks are due to H.G. Stovall whose second term as President was shortened by an early resignation to address an illness in the family.

After new Board members were elected, the Board-elect convened in executive session to select new executive officers. During the annual meeting recess, participants called State Senators to encourage votes against the Don't Say Gay Bill (SB049) and the Special Access to Discriminate Act (SB632).

The new Board returned after the election of Executive Committee officers with the following to announce:

President & Chair: Jonathan Cole
Vice President: Wes Aull
Secretary: Latoya Belgrave
Treasurer: Matia Powell
At-Large: H.G. Stovall

Please join me in thanking Board members past, present and future for their service to Tennessee Equality Project and our state. 

- Jonathan Cole

Let's thank those who voted for equality

House vote on the Special Access to Discriminate Act

While last night's House vote on the Special Access to Discriminate Act (HB600) was a disappointment, we do have many members of the House to thank for their support for equality. Many of those voting with against HB600 engaged in spirited debate on our behalf including (click here for video): Mike Turner, Brenda Gilmore, Mike Stewart, Jeanne Richardson, Craig Fitzhugh, Mike Kernell and Sherry Jones.

Please take a moment to send a thank you message to each one of the them:

Armstrong, Joe E. | District 15 | rep.joe.armstrong@capitol.tn.gov 

Brown, Tommie F. | District 28 | rep.tommie.brown@capitol.tn.gov

Camper, Karen D. | District 87 | rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov

Favors, Joanne | District 29 | rep.joanne.favors@capitol.tn.gov

Fitzhugh, Craig | District 82 | rep.craig.fitzhugh@capitol.tn.gov

Gilmore, Brenda | District 54 | rep.brenda.gilmore@capitol.tn.gov

Hardaway, G. A. | District 92 | rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov

Jones, Sherry | District 59 | rep.sherry.jones@capitol.tn.gov

Kernell, Mike | District 93 | rep.mike.kernell@capitol.tn.gov

Miller, Larry J. | District 88 | rep.larry.miller@capitol.tn.gov

Moore, Gary W. | District 50 | rep.gary.moore@capitol.tn.gov

Naifeh, Jimmy | District 81 | spk.eme.jimmy.naifeh@capitol.tn.gov

Odom, Gary | District 55 | rep.gary.odom@capitol.tn.gov

Parkinson, Antonio | District 98 | rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov

Richardson, Jeanne | District 89 | rep.jeanne.richardson@capitol.tn.gov

Shaw, Johnny | District 80 | rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov

Sontany, Janis Baird | District 53 | rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov

Stewart, Mike | District 52 | rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov

Tindell, Harry J. | District 13 | rep.harry.tindell@capitol.tn.gov

Towns, Joe , Jr. | District 84 | rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov

Turner, Johnnie | District 85 | rep.johnnie.turner@capitol.tn.gov

Turner, Mike | District 51 | rep.mike.turner@capitol.tn.gov

Cooper, Barbara | District 86 | rep.barbara.cooper@capitol.tn.gov

If you would like to send a message to all of them at once, copy and paste their addresses from below:

rep.joe.armstrong@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tommie.brown@capitol.tn.gov, rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov, rep.joanne.favors@capitol.tn.gov, rep.craig.fitzhugh@capitol.tn.gov, rep.brenda.gilmore@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov, rep.sherry.jones@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mike.kernell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.larry.miller@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gary.moore@capitol.tn.gov, spk.eme.jimmy.naifeh@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gary.odom@capitol.tn.gov, rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jeanne.richardson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov, rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov, rep.harry.tindell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnnie.turner@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mike.turner@capitol.tn.gov, rep.barbara.cooper@capitol.tn.gov  

The Senate version of the Special Access to Discriminate Act (SB632) will be debated in the Senate this week. Lastly, be sure that you tell Governor Haslam to oppose and veto this bill using this change.org petition:

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

House Commerce Committee passes anti-LGBT Special Access to Discriminate Act

Rep. Glen Casada of Williamson Co.

In this morning's House Commerce Committee, Rep. Glen Casada presented his Special Access to Discriminate Act (HB600) for a vote. Full video coverage is available HERE (click the HB600 agenda item to advance to that part of the video). As introduced, Casada's legislation would prohibit municipalities, counties and school boards in Tennessee from extending non-discrimination provisions to employees of contractors beyond the floor level provided by current State and Federal law. Translated, local governments could not extend LGBT-inclusive workplace protections to employees of contractors.

The SAD Act passed along mostly partisan lines, but the sponsor endured some intensive questioning and remarks from Representatives G.A. Hardaway of Memphis and Brenda Gilmore of Nashville. Take a moment to thank them at rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov and rep.brenda.gilmore@capitol.tn.gov.

Rep. Hardaway asked the bill's sponsor to explain why the bill was needed:

There has been no substantial ..... or barrage of complaints from business? Nobody's done a study indicating that we're losing businesses out of Tennessee, businesses that are unable to do business with certain cities, or unwilling to do business?

Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Shelby Co.

Casada had no evidence, complaints, or studies to present as support for the SAD Act. He could only say he was hoping to be proactive in addressing "problems" with intrastate commerce. Casada speculated that municipalities that say you "got to hire Baptists who have two kids or you got to have someone who has red hair" would make conducting business chaotic. The sponsor, of course, had no evidence to present that Baptists with two children or red heads are at increased risk of discrimination in the workplace or that any local or state governments had legislated workplace protections for them.

Rep. Brenda Gilmore of Davidson Co.

Rep.Gilmore rose in defense of her city's recently passed Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance. She acted on behalf of her community by offering an amendment to exempt Nashville Metro/Davidson County from HB600. Her amendment was tabled by a partisan vote of 21 to 7. Most importantly, she made sure that the legislative record reflected that voting for HB600 would clearly target lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees of Nashville Metro contractors.

Committee debate leaves no doubt that there is simply no rational basis for HB600. There is no compelling state interest in prohibiting local governments from extending LGBT-inclusive workplace protections to employees of tax payer funded contractors. Bias against LGBT people is the sole motivation behind voting for the SAD Act.

The SAD Act is headed to the House Calendar and Rules Committee after today's recommendation for passsage. Tennessee Equality Project will continue to fight this legislation in the House and Senate. At this time, we ask you to take action in two ways:

1. CONTACT Governor Haslam and his administration to encourage the Governor to oppose and ultimately veto this harmful legislation. 
2. Make a DONATION in support of TEP's work to defend the equal rights of LGBT people and their families link.

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »
 

Don’t let dirty tricks create a haven for intolerance in Tennessee

David Fowler of the Family Action Council of Tennessee and other radical extremists are desperately trying to pass a lie off as the truth in the Tennessee General Assembly.

Last week, FACT sent a message to supporters claiming that the “Special Access to Discriminate” Act (HB600) would keep straight white male sexual predators from assaulting little girls in womens’ restrooms. The Family Action Council forwarded a ridiculous fear mongering video showing a bearded man follow a girl into a women’s restroom to trick supporters into calling on members of the House Subcommittee on Commerce to vote for HB600. 

The SAD Act will not protect children from assault in public restrooms. Parents and law enforcement do that.

It’s also worth noting the hypocrisy of William Morgan, Board Chairman of the Family Action Council of Tennessee and CEO of Nashville-based industrial equipment manufacturer John Bouchard & Sons. Morgan warned that the Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance which passed in Nashville Metro Council on Tuesday night would interfere with the free marketplace. However, the Nashville Scene reports that Morgan’s company has been an approved contractor with Louisville, Kentucky since 2008. Louisville and Jefferson County enacted city- and county-wide LGBT inclusive workplace protections in 1999. Morgan’s company has done business with Louisville since 2008. Workplace equality policies in Louisville have not kept Morgan’s company from doing business there. So why not in Tennessee?

It’s unfortunate that the false witness of FACT gained traction in the subcommittee which voted on Wednesday, April 6 to pass HB600 on to the full House Commerce Committee.

We must act today to protect the Contract Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance enacted in Nashville on April 5 and the expansion of equality in the workplace elsewhere in our state by contacting the House Committee on Commerce before it votes on HB600 on Tuesday, April 12.

TAKE ACTION!

If you live in or near a district of one of the following House Commerce Committee members, use the numbers below to call them during regular business hours and convey one of the following messages:

HB600 will lead to million dollar losses in tourism and sales tax revenues in Tennessee. I am counting on my Representative to vote NO on HB600! 

HB600 will accelerate the migration of college-educated youth, skilled workers and entrepreneurs out of Tennessee. Vote no on HB600!

HB600 will allow workplace discrimination in our local communities will make all of Tennessee less attractive to the best workers, entrepreneurs and businesses who want to live and work in our communities. Vote no on HB0600!

Be sure to ask your Representative how they plan to vote on HB600. Then contact TEP at Jonathan@tnequalityproject.com to let us know what you learned. Share this post with your friends and family via email, Facebook and Twitter.

Representative           District                 Phone (615)

Montgomery, Richard    District 12            741-5981

Pitts, Joe                       District 67            741-2043

Powers, Dennis             District 36            741-3335

Ragan, John                  District 33            741-4400

Swann, Art                   District 8               741-5481

Curtiss, Charles            District 43            741-1963

Elam, Linda                  District 57            741-7462

Favors, Joanne             District 29            741-2702

Gilmore, Brenda           District 54            741-1997

Hardaway, G. A.         District 92            741-5625

Harmon, Bill W.          District 37            741-6849

Haynes, Ryan A.         District 14            741-2264

Johnson, Curtis G.       District 68            741-4341

Johnson, Phillip            District 78            741-7477

Lundberg, Jon              District 1               741-7623

Marsh, Pat                   District 62            741-6824

Matlock, Jimmy           District 21            741-3736

McManus, Steve         District 96            741-1920

Miller, Don                  District 10            741-6877

Pody, Mark                 District 46            741-7086

Roach, Dennis E.         District 35            741-2534

Sargent, Charles          District 61            741-6808

Sexton, Cameron        District 25            741-2343

Shepard, David           District 69            741-3513

Sontany, Janis Baird   District 53            741-6861

Todd, Curry                District 95            741-1866

Towns, Joe , Jr.           District 84            741-2189

Williams, Kent             District 4               741-7450

Wirgau, Tim                District 75            741-6804

TEP celebrates the retreat of the "Special Access to Discriminate" Act

LGBT-inclusive workplace protections
may still expand in Tennessee.

Tennessee Equality Project celebrates today’s action in the House Subcommittee on Commerce. The “Special Access to Discriminate” Act (HB0598) was taken off notice today for lack of support among members of the subcommittee.

For the moment, this withdrawal means that state government will not be intruding in the contractual affairs of local government in Tennessee. Cities, counties and school boards rightfully remain free to define what is best for their communities in expanding workplace equality, living wages and other employee benefits without BIG government interference from the state.

TEP applauds the coordinated efforts of equality, labor, and municipal government advocates who helped bring about this bill’s retreat. However, we are not our of the woods yet. Bill sponsor Glen Casada told The Tennessean that 

he plans to put the bill back on notice in about two weeks and will use the interim to lobby opponents (he named Cordova lawmakers Steve McManus and Dennis Roach, specifically) to vote for the bill.

While today's withdrawal is a joyous event, we must be vigilant in making sure that this bill does not return while the 107th General Assembly is in session. We must also support the CAN DO ordinance headed for final reading by the Nashville Metro Council on Tuesday, April 5. 

Celebrate the withdrawal of this bill by making a contribution to Tennessee Equality Project so that we may continue to advance and protect the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in our state. Consider that

• $25 prints 100 brochures/membership forms
• $50 allows us to reach over 120 voters with a mailing
• $100 trains 10 volunteers for lobbying their elected officials on GLBT issues
• $250 creates 100 folders for advocates at Advancing Equality on the Hill each year
• $500 pays for participating in events such as pride festivals in communities throughout the state
• $1,000 provides seed money for 4 house parties to reach the community and raise more money
• $2000 allows us to purchase better technology services to build and mobilize supporters for six months

While some of the above advocacy expenses may be more than many can afford, we all have like-minded friends and family who want to help advocate for equality in our home state. Consider forming a Host Committee with them for a House Party to raise awareness about LGBT equality initiatives like the above bill and raise funds to further the work of TEP. Learn more about House Parties here.


- Jonathan Cole