Did tennessee ban gay marriage

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a new law that will allow public officials in the state to refuse to perform same-sex marriages if doing so goes against their beliefs. Previously, Tennessee had banned same-sex marriage both by statute and its State Constitution. Polling suggests that a majority of Tennessee residents support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage, with a survey by the Public Religion Research Institute showing that 54% of residents supported same-sex marriage.

[2]. The Republican-controlled Tennessee state House of Representatives voted on Monday to pass a bill that would allow county officials to deny same-sex or interracial couples marriage licenses.

is same-sex marriage legal in north carolina

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 on Wednesday. The Supreme Court's decision overruled Tennessee's ban on same-sex marriage, which had been in place both by statute and its State Constitution.

Prior to the ruling, same-sex marriage had faced significant opposition in Tennessee. Tennessee is no stranger to lawsuits over same-sex marriage, and it could be on the receiving end of another soon. While the wording of the bill is not striking, it could create a way for LGBTQ couples to have their fundamental right to marry denied. The bill language In Tennessee, pastors and other religious leaders can solemnize a marriage.

But the list also includes judges, current and former elected officials, and the governor. By federal law, religious leaders are the only ones on the list allowed to refuse to marry someone.

The new state law gives that power to current and former elected officials. Supreme Court ruling on June 26, , making same-sex marriage a fundamental right. Ever since the U. This action coupled with the constant attacks on the queer community has made Tennessee one of the worst states for LGBTQ equality. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, and Rep. While passing it through committees, they did not directly state the intent of the bill, but instead said that it prevents people from being forced to solemnize a marriage.

Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, spoke in response to Fritz having no examples of it happening during a House Floor session last year. Fritz responded, saying the bill language does not address same-sex marriage at all. Debate was then cut short, as a Republican lawmaker stood up to call for a vote. William Lamberth, R-Portland, said the bill was not needed and just clarified the existing law. Lamberth, however, says the person being discriminated against is the official.

Update: This story has been updated after the bill was signed into law. Blaise Gainey is the youngest of three siblings, husband and father of two. He is from Apopka, Fla. He is excited to move to another capital and report on state government. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, outdoor activities and enjoying family time. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer.

Facebook Instagram Twitter. Blaise Gainey. Bill Lee could soon sign a bill undermining gay marriage in Tennessee. Blaise Gainey, Political Reporter. On Air -