Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
After being put on ice for over a year, a Senate bill that codifies that it is the state’s policy to recognize only two sexes has passed in a 23 to 5 vote along party lines.
The carryover legislation stalled again during this year’s legislative session when it was taken off notice in the House but finally passed in that chamber at the end of last month.
Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington-District 32), Senate Bill 0936 requires that every local governmental entity in Tennessee to revise any policies that make reference to a person’s sex or gender to state that those terms are defined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth, either male or female.
Tennesseans that have reason to believe that a local government is non-compliant will be able to file a complaint in chancery court. Other consequences could include state agencies being barred from entering into grant contracts with the Department of Economic and Community Development.
The Tennessee General Assembly has already defined “sex” as either biologically male or female; this legislation provides an enforcement mechanism to ensure that state agencies follow the law.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
