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The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
On Tuesday, February 21st, a bill will be heard in the House Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee that aims to ensure religious liberty for clergy and for anyone that Tennessee law allows to perform marriage ceremonies. The bill aims to codify the right to refuse to perform a ceremony that violates their religious beliefs.
HB0878, sponsored by Representative Monty Fritts (R-D32-Kingston) and it’s companion bill SB0596 sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-D17-Lebanon) as introduced, states that a person is not required to solemnize a marriage if the person has an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on the person’s conscience or religious beliefs. – Amends TCA Title 4; Title 29 and Title 36.
The Tennessee Conservative reached out to Gary Humble, the Director of Grassroots organization Tennessee Stands, and asked about their support for the bill, and the importance of its passage into law.
Humble said “We support religious liberty. And Article I, Section 3 secures our rights of conscience in this state against restrictions from any human authority. Additionally, we believe that marriage is a union between one man and one woman as defined by God and natural law, not by any court or act of positive law. “
He added “This bill is simple. It would ensure that a minister or any official is able to exercise religious liberty in refusing to take part in solemnizing a marriage that would interfere with their conscience and therefore sincerely held religious beliefs.”
The concern that clergy and the churches they lead will be forced to affirm unions that violate their beliefs is a real one, especially in the wake of President Biden codifying same sex marriage by signing the Respect For Marriage Act into law in December of 2022.
The concern is that the Respect For Marriage Act opens the door to civil action by the Department of Justice establishing a private right of action against anyone who opposes the law. If anyone should express their opposition to the law for religious reasons, it opens up an opportunity for the federal government to initiate a punitive act against that person should they espouse traditional values with regard to life, marriage and family.
All the more reason new laws need to be implemented at the state level in order to fortify Tennessean’s right to religious liberty.
In taking up this bill, the state of Tennessee will be able to guarantee that anyone who should be confronted with the request to conduct a ceremony that conflicts with their religious beliefs, will have the freedom to decline without fearing they will suffer negative consequences at the hands of either the state or the federal government.
The bill is scheduled next to be heard before Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee on 2/21/2022. Should the bill survive the legislative process, it will take effect immediately upon being signed into law by Governor Lee.
If you wish to express your support for this legislation, you can find the contact information for the Subcommittee members below:
Rep. Mary Little (R) – Chair – rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7477
Rep. Rush Bricken (R) – rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7448
Rep. Andrew Farmer (R) – rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4419
Rep. Ron M. Gant (R) – rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6890
Rep. Johnny Garrett (R) – rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3893
Rep. Torrey C. Harris (D) – rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2239
Rep. Darren Jernigan (D) – rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6959
Rep. Jason Powell (D) – rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6861
Rep. Robert Stevens (R) – rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3830
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty.
2 Responses
As former ordained minister and police chaplain in MPLS MN. I once was asked to marry a couple of women. I had broken up a physical fight between them several days before on the street. Then the one who instigated the fight came and asked me to perform the the union. I asked if she was serious, did she or didn’t she believe in God? That ended the question right then but she intimidated she was part of the LGBTQ of MPLS. I answered bring it but as former marine I don’t take threats or bullying from anyone so maybe a more tact might’ve been called for lol.
thank GOD for people of faith that want to keep the pilgrim spirit alive in tennessee . this the best state and the greatest people in the world! i will stand for the word of GOD and the CHRIST that suffered awful pain suffering for a wreach like me.JESSE W COLE PASTOR , DOUGLAS CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH JONESBOROUGH TN