Feb. 15, 2007

Legislators introduce license plate bill for
Tennessee Equality Project Foundation

Nashville, TN—Legislators have proposed a bill that would establish a license plate benefiting the Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes education and dialogue on issues related to equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in Tennessee. 

House sponsor Rep. Beverly Marrero (D-Memphis) and Senate sponsor Sen. Shea Flinn (D-Memphis) consider the bill an important move to increase awareness and education around issues of equality and discrimination in Tennessee.  Rep. Marrero supports the bill as an expression of basic fairness:  "As a Memphian, a Tennessean and an American, I'm always proud to speak up against all discrimination."  Sen. Flinn agrees, adding, “What’s controversial about this?  Once we open the process up to non-profits, all non-profits should have the same opportunity.”

Rep. Sherry Jones (D-Nashville) has also signed on as a House co-sponsor.

The bill, upon becoming law, would begin the process of bringing a license plate bearing the TEP Foundation logo to motorists if 1000 or more pre-orders are placed within a year.

TEP Foundation President Randy Cox praised the measure as an important step in increasing inclusiveness in Tennessee:  “The TEP Foundation is exited about sending the message of equality throughout the state of Tennessee through this license plate program. Our goal is to educate Tennesseans that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons are your neighbors, church members, and coworkers and deserve the same treatment as anyone else.”

The TEP Foundation was established in 2005 and provides educational workshops and events throughout Tennessee.

Media contact:  Chris Sanders, 615-390-5252

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