Don't Say Gay bill costs Rep. Joey Hensley Tennessean endorsement in primary

The Tennessean couldn't bring itself to endorse Rep. Joey Hensley in the Republican State Senate primary for District 28.  Instead, they went with Dean Dickey.  Rep. Hensley's sponsorship of the Don't Say Gay bill played a big role in the decision, according to the paper:

Hensley’s tenure in the House has been marred by his preoccupation with divisive, social legislation, notably his “Don’t Say Gay” bill, that is bad for this state and a distraction from matters that voters want legislators to deal with, such as the economy. The Tennessean endorses Dean Dickey in the Republican primary.

The endorsement may not make much difference in this right of center district, given The Tennessean's liberal reputation.  Still, it does provide more name recognition for Dickey outside his Columbia base.

Early voting in the primary continues today and tomorrow.  Election Day is August 2. 

Thanks Speaker Harwell, Rep. Maggart and Gov. Haslam

House Speaker Beth Harwell, Republican Caucus Chair Rep. Debra Maggart and Governor Bill Haslam

Tennessee Equality Project was one of the last organizations to formally declare the defeat of the Don't Say Gay bill (HB0229/SB0049). After fighting many bills in the legislature over the years, we've learned that anything can happen in the last days of the legislative session - especially when the rules of the House or Senate are suspended to facilitate the legislative process. Until a motion to adjourn is approved and the final gavel is heard, every bill is technically still alive.

We've fought the Don't Say Gay bill for six long years. This year, the bill met its surest defeat in the 107th Tennessee General Assembly. After enduring years of negative media attention, the ire of constituents and the sobering incidents of two gay Tennessee students completing suicide after being bullied, no sensible person wanted to see this legislation advance. We also realize that Senate sponsor Stacey Campfield or House sponsor Joey Hensley could reintroduce the bill when the 108th Tennessee General Assembly convenes. We will be ready if they do.

In yesterday's message to our supporters, we thanked many people for their vigilance in opposing this anti-LGBT legislation. But also owe thanks to three leaders in State Government who took a stand against extremism in their own party.

We give special thanks House Speaker Beth Harwell, Republican House Caucus Chair Rep. Debra Maggart and Governor Bill Haslam. Each of these individuals did their part in preventing a mean-spirited bill from marginalizing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and families in Tennessee schools.

Take a moment to send a thank you note to these leaders. Without them, we would not have defeated this bill.

Speaker.Beth.Harwell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.Debra.Maggart@capitol.tn.gov

Bill.Haslam@tn.gov

Don't Say G_y bill passes to House Education Committee

Rep. Joey Hensley is the sponsor of the "Don't Say G_y" bill (HB0229).

The House Education Subcommitee voted in favor of an amended version of the "Don't Say G_y" bill (HB0229). The bill now heads to the House Education Committee.

Despite warnings of the message such a bill sends to students in Tennessee public schools, the subcommittee voted to silence a teacher's ability to have age-appropriate discussions with K-8 students when that discussion falls outside "natural human reproduction science." Even in its amended form, HB0229 and SB0049  marginalizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning students or their families.

During the hearing, Rep. Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville) stated the amended version of the bill is in line with current curriculum and is consistent with what is already written in Title 49 of the Tennessee Code Annotated. If that is the case, then why would anyone advance this divisive legislation?

Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) said it best: this bill does not improve education and is a solution in search of a problem. It is unnecessary and has the potential to do harm. 

If you live in the district of a member of the House Education Committee, we encourage you to urge them to vote no on this bill. Click here to send a message to the full committee.

- Jonathan Cole