News (USA)

Tenn. lawmaker introduces bill to allow religious discrimination against gays

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A Tennessee state lawmaker has introduced a bill that would allow individuals and businesses to refuse to provide goods and services to gays based on their religious beliefs.
By Staff Reports · Updated on June 30, 2015
Tenn. lawmaker introduces bill to allow religious discrimination against gays

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Tennessee state lawmaker has introduced a bill that would allow individuals and businesses to refuse to provide goods and services to gays based on their religious beliefs.

The measure, filed by GOP State Sen. Brian Kelsey, who represents Memphis and Germantown, is similar to bills currently being considered in Kansas, Arizona, Idaho and South Dakota.

The bill notes that businesses can refuse services and goods if it furthers a civil union, domestic partnership, or same-sex marriage. The person or business would just have to say it was against their religion.

Jonathan Cole of the Tennessee Equality Project, a statewide advocacy group, says the bill is making discrimination legal.

The bill was introduced in the House and Senate, but no votes have been taken yet.

More from WHBQ-TV:

Don't forget to share:
News (USA)
Discrimination Religious Freedom Tennessee

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Texas gubernatorial candidate calls on AG to stop defending gay marriage ban

Previous article

Ind. lawmakers effectively kill proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage

Next article

More in News (USA)