Image Credit: Rhonda Lee / LinkedIn
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee is still working to push a resolution to protect children from sexualized behaviors, despite pushback from other Commissioners.
While the County Commission is not able to pass legislation, they are able to make decisions as to whether or not county funds can be used towards certain programs, events, or groups that do not align with the values set forth in the resolution.
The resolution reads, “The Knox County Commission neither supports nor approves of activities, programs, events, content, or institutions which support, normalize, or encourage the sexualization of children and youth.”
The resolution does not contain a list of rules that specify exactly what is considered to be sexually explicit, leaving some to argue that the proposed resolution is too broad. Lee gave “drag shows” as an example.
“I’m not talking about men or women dressing up as men and women. I’m talking about sexual acts that would be performed at any of those,” Lee stated.
Commissioner Larsen Jay told WVLT News, “I have concerns about the resolution because many areas outline broad assumptions and other parts seem open to a wide interpretation. While I’m still researching the item, other similar resolutions are being used as a starting point for banning books and limiting specific content, which I’m not sure is the proper role of our legislative body. I look forward to a continued debate next week to better understand the intent of the resolution and its potential ramifications.”
County Commissioner Courtney Durrett, the only legislator to vote against the resolution, also voiced concerns that the measure was not specific enough.
Lee responded, “It is not aimed at closing libraries down, but it’s just to make sure that we’re not spending taxpayer dollars on something that would affect our children in a negative way. I want to protect their innocence as children.”
“I’m surprised of any pushback, to be honest, of anybody who would not stand up for anything, any way that would protect their children,” Lee said.
The county commission holds its next meeting on September 25th and will vote on the resolution at that time.
One Response
I guess we know where those Commissioners stand. Lets go the other way and make those same people legally and financially liable for child pregnancy, force them to support that jailed teen whose hormones got the best of him and he forced another teen. Also make them legally liable for financially the kid who decides he doesn’t like his name or sex and tells his parents to shove it where the sun don’t shine.