Tennessee House Passes Bill To Ban Pride Flags In Public Schools

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

The Tennessee House passed a bill that would ban the display of pride flags and other ideological flags in Tennessee’s public schools.

House Bill 1605, sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61), “prohibits LEAs and public charter schools from displaying in public schools flags other than the official United States flag and the official Tennessee state flag.”

An amendment to the legislation provides a list of flags that are permitted in schools. 

If made law, LEAs and public charter schools would be allowed to fly only the following:

• The United States Flag

• The Official Tennessee State Flag

• A Flag That Cannot be Disturbed or Altered (TCA Section 4-1-412)

• The POW/MIA Flag

• A Flag Representing an Indian Tribe (25 U.S.C. Section 5304)

• A Flag Representing a City, County, Metropolitan Government, or Other Political Subdivision of the State of Tennessee

• A Flag Representing a Unit, Brand, or Other Division of the Armed Forces Including ROTC Programs

• A Flag Representing a College or University

• A Flag Displayed Temporarily as Part of a Bona Fide Course Curriculum

• An Official School Flag

Prior to the discussion of the bill, Representative Jason Powell (D-Nashville-District 53) proposed an amendment that would allow students the freedom to express themselves “as long as it does not materially disrupt school activities.” He said the clarity would “protect the rights of students” and would also help the state avoid “frivolous lawsuits.” 

That amendment was voted down, as was the consideration of another amendment by Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis-District 86) that was not timely filed.

As the floor moved into discussion of the legislation, Democrats argued that the bill was singling out the LGBTQ community.

“Your whole mission in this piece of legislation was to point one segment of the population out that you may not agree with,” said Representative Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville-District 50). “I’m sick of legislation like this that just brings problems.”

Bulso argued that no one would be negatively affected by the bill which was filed after he heard concerns from parents in Williamson County over flags being displayed by teachers and school counselors, despite the fact that parents had raised objections.

“Everyone is entitled to mutual respect. Everyone is entitled to mutual dignity. Everyone is entitled to tolerance,” Bulso said. “What this bill does is it preserves tolerance across the board for all parents and all school children.”

The debate on the bill was cut when Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County-District 73) called for the question. At this point, Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville-District 52) was ruled out of order following an outburst in which he argued for a chance to speak. After the call to order, Jones shouted again, after which a vote was taken on whether he was out of order. That ruling was affirmed by the majority.

A roll call vote was then taken on the bill itself, passing it with a final count of 70 ayes, 24 nays, and one present not voting. Republican Representative Mark White (R-Memphis-District 83) chose not to vote while Representative John Gillespie (R-Memphis-District 97) chose to vote against the bill.

Senate Bill 1722 (SB1722) narrowly passed the Senate Education Committee on February 21 and has been recommended to the Senate Calendar Committee.