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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
For the second consecutive year, Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee’s resolution to protect children from sexual influences has failed. The resolution would have ensured county funds could not be used to fund organizations, activities, or agencies attempting to sexualize children.
Lee brought forth a similar resolution last year which was indefinitely tabled, though this year’s iteration did gain more traction despite ultimately failing in an 8-3 vote. The only commissioners who voted in favor of the resolution besides Lee were Republicans Andy Fox and Angela Russell.
The remaining commissioners who voted against the measure are Republicans Gina Oster, Kim Frazier, Terry Hill, Adam Thompson, & Larsen Jay, and Democrats Damon Rawls, Courtney Durrett, & Shane Jackson.
Community members expressed both support and opposition for the measure during the public comment section of the meeting, with advocates arguing the resolution was not intended to police morality, but enforce the already existing obscenity laws in Tennessee Code.
“We are simply advocating for safeguards to be put in place locally. The desired outcome is for [organizations] who receive funding to be more mindful in upholding Tennessee laws,” said one speaker.
Knox for Liberty also organized an action call in support of the measure, asking citizens to call the commissioners and ask for support of the resolution, especially given that county funds are channeled into Visit Knoxville, a company that has previously sponsored Knox Pride Fest.
Some detractors of the resolution feared Lee’s resolution specifically targeted LGBT communities, despite assurances otherwise, and Commissioner Terry Hill believes it is not local government’s job, but the court’s, to enforce obscenity standards.
“I have constituents that are very concerned this is a way to attack certain groups like the LGBTQ+ community and people who like to dress in drag for fun. I am all for protecting children, but I’m wondering what this will really do and how much money this will cost to enforce it,” a Knox County School board member commented.
This statement is almost ironic as the resolution would have ensured county funds were properly channeled and redirected to essential services, not increased taxpayer costs.
With support incrementally growing each year, it is currently unknown if Lee will attempt to bring this resolution again next year. Perhaps the third time will be the charm.
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.
4 Responses
Interesting. Most folks that I know that are LGBTQ et all, are in favor of protecting children. All children. Their spokesperson seems to think this is directly targeting them, and therefore speaks out against the measure. Is it really targeting the community, or simply bad actors who are using the community as a smoke screen for their own hedonistic and unnatural desires?
To say an organization or agency is “sexualizing children” simply because it describes Knoxville as an LGBTQ-inclusive community ….. seems a bit hysterical and hyperbolic.
Children’s welfare needs to be prioritized over any adult group’s feelings. Those who supported the resolution, the next time Gina Oster, Kim Frazier, Terry Hill, Adam Thompson, & Larsen Jay run for re-election, vote them out and let them know now that you will be voting them out.
It sounds like the 5 “Republicans” on the Knox County Commission who voted against it (Gina Oster, Kim Frazier, Terry Hill, Adam Thompson, & Larsen Jay) are Libs or Dems posing as conservatives.