Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Legislation that would require all state governmental entities to recognize two biological sexes – male and female – will continue to move through the House after being passed by the Civil Justice Subcommittee on Wednesday.
House Bill 1271 (HB1271), as written, “declares that the policy of this state is that there are only two sexes, a biological male and a biological female.” The bill is sponsored by State Representative Mark Cochran (R-Englewood-District 23).
The Subcommittee heard from two Tennessee residents who voiced concerns over the bill, arguing that it targets specific groups of people and would isolate already marginalized individuals.
During questioning, State Representative Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville-District 90) asked Cochran what was the impetus, or purpose, behind the legislation.
Cochran noted that the Legislature had already defined “sex” as male and female and this new proposal would provide an enforcement mechanism to ensure that all state agencies are using that definition when creating public policy.
He added that this legislation was not a policy on individuals but on government agencies.
With 6 yes votes and 1 no vote from Johnson, the bill will move on and has been placed on the House Judiciary Committee’s calendar for March 26.
HB1271 Summary: As introduced, declares that the policy of this state is that there are only two sexes, a biological male and a biological female.
Rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov, rep.elaine.davis@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov, rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov, rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov, rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dennis.powers@capitol.tn.gov, rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov, rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
