Bill Protecting Tennessee’s Adoptive Families Moves Forward To Civil Justice Committee

A Tennessee Bill That Seeks To Protect Foster And Adoptive Families From Being Required To Affirm Certain Policies That Oppose Their Religious And Moral Beliefs Has Passed In The House Children And Family Affairs Subcommittee.

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

A bill sponsored by Representative Mary Littleton (R-Dickson-District 78) was passed by the House Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee on Tuesday. 

House Bill 2169 (HB2169) protects Tennessee foster and adoptive families from being forced to support policies that go against the family’s religious beliefs regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

This legislation “As introduced, enacts the “Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Parent Protection Act,” which prohibits the department of children’s services from requiring an adoptive or foster parent to support a policy on sexual orientation or gender identity that conflicts with the parent’s sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. – Amends TCA Title 37.”

A voice vote was called on the bill and Democrats Harris, Jernigan, Powell requested to be recorded as voting No. The General Assembly website records the votes as ‘Ayes Prevail.’

This bill has now been referred to the House Civil Justice Committee. 

Last year, Governor Bill Lee signed the “Forever Homes Act” that shortened the waiting period for adoptions in Tennessee and provided additional services and compensation to birth mothers. The “Forever Homes Act” was signed on the heels of the state’s ban on abortion.

Now HB2169 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 1738, seek to protect foster and adoptive families from being required to affirm certain policies that oppose their religious and moral beliefs.

HB2169 has not yet been placed on the House Civil Justice Committee calendar.

However, in the meantime, Civil Justice Committee members can be contacted in order to voice support or concern regarding HB2169.

Tennessee House Civil Justice Committee

Andrew Farmer (R) – Chair – rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4419

Darren Jernigan (D) – Vice-Chair – rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6959

Rush Bricken (R) – rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7448

Gino Bulso (R) – rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6808

Kip Capley (R) – rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2190

Rick Eldridge (R) – rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6877

Ron M. Gant (R) – rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6890

Johnny Garrett (R) – rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3893

Rusty Grills (R) – rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov  – (615) 741-0718

Torrey C. Harris (D) – rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2239

William Lamberth (R) – rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1980

Mary Littleton (R) – rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov  – (615) 741-7477

Antonio Parkinson (D) – rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4575

Jason Powell (D) – rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6861

Lowell Russell (R) – rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3736

Robert Stevens (R) – rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3830

Chris Todd (R) – rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7475

 rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov  ; rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov ;  rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov ;  rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov  ; rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov  ; rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov ;  rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov

Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. 

You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com