Public officials in Tennessee can now refuse to grant a marriage license to anyone at their own discretion, for any reason.
Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed into law House Bill 878 on Wednesday, which took effect immediately. The bill — just a few sentences in length — only states that “a person shall not be required to solemnize a marriage.” Only state notary publics, government officials, and religious figures can “solemnize” a marriage in Tennessee, according to state code.
None of the sponsors behind the bill have been made public statements on its introduction or passage, nor have they given comment to media organizations. The only known remarks regarding the law from state Rep. Monty Fritts (take a guess), who sponsored it in the House, are from February of last year, when he spoke to the state Subcommittee on Children and Family Affairs.
I’m sorry to hear that. What’s your plan? I’m in Tennessee myself and planning on Colorado or Ireland.
I’m going to see how 2024 goes to decide whether I need a new state or a new republic.
#1 wait for my bf to graduate and move to Illinois
#2 try to get a job teaching in China? I doubt China is that much better as far as LGBT rights, but as a laogai I’m probably novel and white enough to not be bothered.
#3 kill myself when Kevin Shitt signs an executive order banning adult HRT, or get murdered by a cop for not having the twig and berries that corresponds to the “M” on my drivers license.