UPDATE:  Minister Ben Bailey of the Central Church of Christ called us this morning and talked about his views.  He is not pro-equality, but he wants to make absolutely clear that he does NOT support the stoning of LGBT people.  You can read his response at the link. 

The New Civil Rights Movement has reported on the teachings of Minister Ben Bailey of the Central Church of Christ in McMinnville in which the pastor tries to justify the stoning of LGBT people as biblical. 

People of faith and people of no particular faith alike reject the dangerous extremism of Pastor Bailey.  At a time when hate crimes are up against LGBT people in Tennessee and at a time when the nationwide murders of transgender people in particular have reached crisis levels, such hate has no rightful place in religion or in civil society. 

Despite the pastor's notoriety, hate will NOT define McMinnville or the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.  We were in McMinnville recently for the Summer of Love tour with a strong showing of equality advocates.  Read the report if you doubt there are many great people in the area living their hopes for full equality.  Upper Cumberland Pride, which serves the region, is an organization that is growing again and now reunited to TEP.  We know they will continue to raise awareness for the safety and equality of LGBT people in the area.

We urge people of good will across the state and nation to stand with those in McMinnville and the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee and against the hateful rhetoric of Pastor Bailey.  Add your name as a show of solidarity!

TEP needs volunteers throughout the year.  Please, fill out this form or contact us at [email protected] for more information.  Thank you!

Let's make 2015 the year that Tennessee invests in great advocacy at the state level.  If we can find 30 more people who make $15 or more per month in recurring donations to the Tennessee Equality Project, we can cover the lobbying contract that protects us all when the Legislature is in session.  Having a professional, experienced lobbyist on the Hill defends us from negative legislation like the Don't Say Gay and License to Bully bills.  It also helps us move the Dignity for All Students Act forward. 

While your contribution to Tennessee Equality Project's lobbying efforts is not deductible for purposes of federal income tax, it is an inexpensive way to hold the line on discrimination and advance equality in our own state.

Past investments in professional lobbying have paid off significantly in Tennessee.  We have gone 4 and 0 against the Don't Say Gay bill.  We beat the Turn the Gays Away bill last year.  Results matter and with your $15/month in 2015, we can continue to work together to achieve them.

SPECIAL OFFER: Through Thursday, February 5, 2015, TEP is offering one free General Admission Tasting Ticket to the TEP Gumbo Contest in Memphis on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 to new sustaining donors of $15 or more per month. Don't miss out on this offer. After completing your transaction, call 901-301-3306 to obtain the discount code number for your free ticket.