Knox County Commissioner Presents Resolution Protecting Children From Undue Sexual Influence

Image Credit: Rhonda Lee / LinkedIn & Canva

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

At their Tuesday meeting, Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee proposed a resolution aiming to ensure county funds cannot be used to fund organizations, activities, or agencies attempting to sexualize children.

The resolution asserts, “Children are our greatest treasure and our most vulnerable population. We must always weigh the risk of harm to minors in public policy decisions,” and, “Protecting the innocence of children should be an issue of concern for all adults,” amongst other firmly stated tenants advocating for the regulation and oversight of any materials and activities deemed “harmful to minors” per Tennessee Annotated Code.

Lee also argues that the county is facing “significant budget and debt challenges” and limited taxpayer resources need to be steered into essential services like safety and infrastructure instead of funneled into, “entertainment, materials, activities, matter, conduct, programs, events, content, or institutions which support, normalize, or encourage the harmful sexualization of minors.”

This is Lee’s second attempt to pass a similar resolution, as last year’s iteration was tabled in a 10-1 vote, and some of her fellow commissioners are voicing strong oppositions, even accusing Lee of specifically targeting LGBT groups, though Lee contends otherwise. She did name several examples of sponsorships she believes the county “crossed the line” all involving drag queen shows or LGBT organizations.

Despite the assertion from Commissioner Courtney Durret that the county does not and has never funded programs or materials supporting the sexualization of children, Visit Knoxville, the nonprofit that contracts with local government to foster tourism, was listed as a major sponsor for the 2023 Knox Pride Fest. 

“If we were funding obscenity, I’m sure that the district attorney would prosecute that,” Deputy Law Director Mike Moyers said.

Yet, Knox County law enforcement officials have previously turned a blind eye and ignored both Tennessee laws and constituent outcry allowing events that could certainly qualify for prosecution under state statutes to proceed unchecked.

The only other commissioner to speak in favor of the resolution at the time of its presentation was Commissioner Andy Fox. The Commission will vote on the resolution Monday, November 18^th.

Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.