Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Confederate statues coming down, Black history rising  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/08/25/confederate-statues-removed-black-history/74635125007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Book bans in Rutherford County Schools  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2024/08/22/beloved-wicked-other-books-face-obscenity-complaints-to-pull-from-rutherford-county-schools-tenn/74901755007/
2. Mayor proposes public safety ordinances in wake of neo-Nazi activity  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2024/08/26/nashville-mayor-freddie-oconnell-announces-new-public-safety-proposals-after-neo-nazi-activity/74924741007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Xenophobic slander all too common. https://dailymemphian.com/section/opinionguest-columnists/article/45935/rabbi-micah-d-greenstein-temple-israel-memphis-immigration 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. State launches new foster care initiative.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/aug/25/state-of-tennessee-set-to-launch-new-initiative/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Books bans in Rutherford County Schools.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/2024/08/22/beloved-wicked-other-books-face-obscenity-complaints-to-pull-from-rutherford-county-schools-tenn/74901755007/

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

This week the Rutherford County School Board is considering more book restrictions. Here's the key information that you need to know.

When and Where:

The meetings take place on Tuesday, August 20 at 5:30 p.m., which is a work session, and Thursday, August 22 at 5:30 p.m., which is a full School Board meeting. The agenda for the August 22 meeting can be found at this link. Meetings take place at 2240 Southpark Drive in Murfreesboro, TN  37128.

Books Targeted:

Books being targeted include the following:  Beloved - Toni Morrison, Queen of Shadows - Sara J Maas, Tower of Dawn - Sara J Maas, Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi, Skin and Bones - Sherry Shahan, The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky, and
Wicked (The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West) - Gregory Maguire.

What you can do:

*The Rutherford County Library Alliance is urging people to show up at the meetings in purple. See their Facebook event here.

*Sign up to speak at the meetings. Read this document for key information. The basics are that you need to be able to prove you live or work in Rutherford County and you need to sign up by no later than Noon the day of the meeting at which you wish to speak. There is a 3-minute time limit.

*If you are going to speak, prepare for it by reviewing this special report on book restrictions in Tennessee, which includes information on how to get ready to speak at a public meeting and some background on these issues in Rutherford County.

*Invite others to attend these school board meetings by sharing the Rutherford County Library Alliance's Facebook event.

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Why are some people boycotting Dunkin’ Donuts?  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/08/14/dunkin-donuts-boycott-why-maga-supporters-conservatives-want-boycott-steven-crowder-rumble/74794098007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Zach Young becomes first out school board member in Tennessee  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2024/08/13/nashville-school-board-zach-young-first-lgbt-member-tennessee/74564867007/
2. Supreme Court blocks new Title IX rules rollout  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/08/17/supreme-court-keeps-bidens-title-ix-updates-on-hold-in-tennessee/74840761007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. The Unbannable Library art project takes on book restrictions in TN  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/education/2024/08/16/austin-peay-professor-fights-book-bans-unbannable-library/74802200007/ .

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. The Unbannable Library art project takes on book restrictions in TN  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/education/2024/08/16/austin-peay-professor-fights-book-bans-unbannable-library/74802200007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Opinion piece on free speech  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/aug/17/opinion-americans-love-free-speech-until-they/

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. The Unbannable Library art project takes on book restrictions in TN  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/education/2024/08/16/austin-peay-professor-fights-book-bans-unbannable-library/74802200007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. The Unbannable Library art project takes on book restrictions in TN  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/education/2024/08/16/austin-peay-professor-fights-book-bans-unbannable-library/74802200007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. The Unbannable Library art project takes on book restrictions in TN  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/education/2024/08/16/austin-peay-professor-fights-book-bans-unbannable-library/74802200007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Remembering Billy Bean:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/mike-freeman/2024/08/07/billy-bean-lgbtq-mlb/74697613007/ 
2. Transvestigations and Imane Khelif: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2024/08/09/imane-khelif-olympics-transvestigations/74721372007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Wilson County Schools and TN’s new book restriction law: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/08/08/wilson-county-schools-tennessee-book-law-libraries/74707459007/ 
2. LGBTQ+ adoption discrimination in Tennessee:  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/08/08/wilson-county-schools-tennessee-book-law-libraries/74707459007/ 
3. Project 2025’s connection to Tennessee:  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/08/07/project-2025-tennessee-lawmakers-conservative-groups-gop/74489123007/
4. What to do about Nashville’s neo-Nazi problem? https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/davidson/2024/08/08/nashville-wrestles-neo-nazi-free-speech/74649844007/ .

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. What does “woke” mean? https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/08/08/what-does-woke-mean-in-politics/74684910007/

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Safety priorities for Knox County Schools:  https://www.knoxnews.com/videos/news/education/2024/08/08/knox-county-schools-superintendent-jon-rysewyk-safety-priorities/74718543007/
2. What does “woke” mean? https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2024/08/08/what-does-woke-mean-in-politics/74684910007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Williamson County can remove the Confederate flag from its seal: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/aug/10/williamson-county-may-remove-confederate-flag/

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Williamson County can remove the Confederate flag from its seal:  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/williamson/2024/08/09/tennessee-judge-confederate-flag-removed-williamson-county-seal/74726550007/ 
2. What does “woke” mean? https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/2024/08/08/what-does-woke-mean-in-politics/74684910007/

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Williamson County can remove Confederate flag from its seal:  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/local/williamson/2024/08/09/tennessee-judge-confederate-flag-removed-williamson-county-seal/74726550007/ 
2. What does “woke” mean? https://www.dnj.com/story/news/local/2024/08/08/what-does-woke-mean-in-politics/74684910007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. What does “woke” mean? https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2024/08/08/what-does-woke-mean-in-politics/74684910007/

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

RESOURCES FOR ACTION

Complex issues facing Tennessee's LGBTQ community require that we consider research and make plans for action. We have attempted to embody both sides of this continuum in the reports linked below. Our hope is that advocates around the state will use these reports to work with us to advance good public policy. For questions, reach out at [email protected] .

The State of Pride in Tennessee (October 2024)

Parental Notification of Student's Gender Identity:  Local Implementation in Tennessee Schools (October 2024)

Strategic Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Students in Tennessee K-12 Schools:  Resources, Evidence, Legislation, Model Policies, and Communication Strategies (August 2024)

Book Censorship in Tennessee: Advocates for Public Schools and Libraries: A Toolkit (May 2024)

Comprehensive Gender-affirming Care for Metro Nashville Employees (September 2023)

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/08/02/robby-starbuck-harley-davidson-john-deere-dei/74608637007/ 
2. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/dan-wolken/2024/08/03/imane-khelif-olympics-womens-boxing/74660033007/?tbref=hp

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2024/08/02/harley-davidson-boycott-why-dei-conservative/74637261007/ 
2. https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/industries/2024/08/05/tennessee-business-support-for-dei-esg-programs-unravels-amid-protests/74351709007/
   

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/money/2024/08/02/harley-davidson-boycott-why-dei-conservative/74637261007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metroelections/article/45519/shelby-county-tennessee-august-1-election-by-the-numbers

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/2024/08/02/harley-davidson-boycott-why-dei-conservative/74637261007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/money/2024/08/02/harley-davidson-boycott-why-dei-conservative/74637261007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. https://www.dnj.com/story/money/2024/08/02/harley-davidson-boycott-why-dei-conservative/74637261007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/money/2024/08/02/harley-davidson-boycott-why-dei-conservative/74637261007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

Write a letter this week about a recent story in your regional paper

Your letter could shape the views of key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/23/what-is-dei-initiatives-questions-tim-burchett-kamala-harris-kimberly-cheatle/74509753007/ 
2. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2024/07/24/tn-lawmakers-denounce-racism-after-neo-nazis-harass-nashville-child-musicians/74533717007/ 
3. https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2024/07/19/why-john-deere-tractor-supply-dei-companies/74452777007/?itm_medium=recirc&itm_source=taboola&itm_campaign=internal&itm_content=BelowHomepageFeed-FeedRedesign

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/23/what-is-dei-initiatives-questions-tim-burchett-kamala-harris-kimberly-cheatle/74509753007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. https://dailymemphian.com/subscriber/section/metrostate-government/article/45297/memphis-friends-of-georges-plans-to-appeal-federal-drag-ban-ruling 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/23/what-is-dei-initiatives-questions-tim-burchett-kamala-harris-kimberly-cheatle/74509753007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/clarksville/2024/07/26/clarksville-lgbtq-supporters-call-for-councilmans-resignation/74553247007/ 
2. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/23/what-is-dei-initiatives-questions-tim-burchett-kamala-harris-kimberly-cheatle/74509753007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/23/what-is-dei-initiatives-questions-tim-burchett-kamala-harris-kimberly-cheatle/74509753007/ 
2. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/2024/07/24/tn-lawmakers-denounce-racism-after-neo-nazis-harass-nashville-child-musicians/74533717007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/23/what-is-dei-initiatives-questions-tim-burchett-kamala-harris-kimberly-cheatle/74509753007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

Write a letter to the editor this week about a recent story in your regional paper.

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers. Your letter also provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] .

Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/18/federal-appeals-court-upholds-tennessee-drag-law/74461567007/ 
2. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2024/07/19/what-is-project-2025-education-conservative-plan-tennessee/74442488007/ 
3. https://www.tennessean.com/videos/news/2024/07/17/nashvilles-council-condemns-neo-nazi-group-disrupt-proceedings/74441099007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/18/federal-appeals-court-upholds-tennessee-drag-law/74461567007/ 
2. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/education/2024/07/19/what-is-project-2025-education-conservative-plan-tennessee/74442488007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. https://dailymemphian.com/section/metrostate-government/article/45189/federal-appeals-court-dismisses-lawsuit-over 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/18/federal-appeals-court-upholds-tennessee-drag-law/74461567007/ 
2. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/education/2024/07/19/what-is-project-2025-education-conservative-plan-tennessee/74442488007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/jul/19/tennessee-agrees-to-remove-sex-workers-with-hiv/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/18/federal-appeals-court-upholds-tennessee-drag-law/74461567007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/18/federal-appeals-court-upholds-tennessee-drag-law/74461567007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/18/federal-appeals-court-upholds-tennessee-drag-law/74461567007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

If there were a quantitative tool to show the level of crisis for LGBTQ people in our state and in our country, the numbers would be spiking right now.

Alarming news cycle:  Over the last couple of weeks, a deplorable white supremacy march took place in Nashville soon after the city’s new rainbow crosswalk was vandalized. Under far Right activist pressure, Tractor Supply abandoned support for DEI, LGBTQ, and climate causes.  A Clarksville City Council Member demonized Pride celebrations. The President released a stigmatizing position on aspects of gender-affirming care for trans youth. And we find the looming presidential election on shakier ground than it was before. All this has happened in the wake of a state legislative session in which we had to fight with all we had. 

Need for engagement:  It is not enough to hear “You are seen and loved” or to tell ourselves that we are resilient.  We need to make our engagement specific to meet the moment. That can take a variety of forms, but one thing we must not do is abandon the public sphere that is supposed to be shared by all of us. We must be part of the conversation.  Right now that means tough conversations. Real conversations.  Asking questions and making our positions clear can help. Allies can help with this, too!

Asking Questions

Here are some questions you can ask to keep the pressure on and to start some constructive engagement with those in power.  You can ask them at any time. For elected officials and candidates, ask regardless of their party affiliation. We cannot assume those in power or those seeking power are with us. Your engagement helps to elevate our issues to greater prominence. 

To companies/businesses:  What are you doing to increase your support of your LGBTQ employees and customers beyond Pride month?

To school board candidates:  What programming and policies do you endorse to support LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff in our school district?

To state legislative candidates:  Will you pledge to vote against and speak against legislation that targets the LGBTQ community? Feel free to ask candidates and sitting state legislators about their stances on proposed bills or existing laws.

To federal candidates (U.S. Senate/U.S. Congress):  Do you pledge to support the Equality Act? Will you oppose efforts to attach discriminatory riders to bills?

Making Our Positions Clear

One old-fashioned way to make your voice heard is to write a letter to the editor when you see a story in your local or regional paper that moves you. Many people read every story and opinion piece. Yours might just give some people hope that they are not alone. Your letter could shape the views of key decision makers. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] .

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

Thank you for stopping by our table at a recent Pride celebration. Here are some ways to get involved:

1. Follow us @tnequality on Instagram, TikTok, X, or Threads to keep up with regular opportunities to engage. We also post regular updates in our Facebook group.

2. BoroPride, our largest annual event, is taking place on October 12 in Murfreesboro. This festival is a program of the TEP Foundation. Learn more and make plans to attend at the link.

3. We need volunteers in the Nashville area for special events. If that is of interest to you, email us at [email protected] and tell us you would like to volunteer in this area.

4. We need volunteers to become part of our regional committees like the Nashville Committee, the Montgomery County Committee, and the Wilson County Committee AND to help form new regional committees around the state.  If that interests you, contact us at [email protected] and let us know where you live in the email.

5. If you would like to make a small contribution to support our direct lobbying work, go to this link.

6. When the Legislature is in session, we need volunteers for the Balcony Brigade. If that opportunity interests you, contact Brian Sullivan at [email protected] .

BoroPride will take place on October 12. Vendor and sponsor slot sales have ended as of September 30. Please, do NOT attempt to use this form.

Note: The word "donation" may appear on this page or in your receipt. It refers to your payment for your sponsorship or vendor space. If you wish to pay by check or ACH, you will have to make special arrangements by contacting [email protected] . Please, do NOT send a check before contacting us at that email address. Your vendor or sponsorship spot is not reserved until we receive payment.

Vendors and attendees must adhere to any relevant CDC guidelines. By making your payment, you agree to follow the guidelines that will be provided to you prior to the event. Vendors will be notified of the guidelines in follow-up communication.

If you have wondered what has been going on with the anti-drag legislation signed into law in 2023 in Tennessee, this quick timeline may help you get your bearings. This timeline is not and should be construed as legal advice. If you have questions that have an impact on a performance you are planning, consult an attorney. While the case is pending before the Court of Appeals, different law enforcement agencies and different district attorneys around the State may have differing interpretations of the scope and enforcement of the law.

For corrections to the information presented below, contact us at [email protected] .

November 9, 2022:  SB3 filed by Senator Jack Johnson.

December 7, 2022:  HB9 filed by Representative Chris Todd.

February 23, 2023:  Drag restriction bill passes the House.

March 2, 2023:  Drag restriction bill passes the Senate.

March 2, 2023:  Drag restriction bill signed by the Governor with an April 1 effective date.

March 27, 2023:  Friends of George’s in Memphis file suit in federal district court against the State over the new law.

March 31, 2023:  Federal judge in Memphis temporarily halts enforcement of SB3/HB9.

June 3, 2023:  Federal judge in Memphis rules the law is unconstitutional and enjoins enforcement in Shelby County.

June 5, 2023:  Tennessee Attorney General says the law remains in effect in Tennessee’s other 94 counties.

June 30, 2023:  Tennessee Attorney General appeals the federal district court decision.

August 30, 2023:  Blount Pride and the ACLU of TN sue to prevent enforcement of the anti-drag law.

September 1, 2023:  Federal judge blocks enforcement of the anti-drag law against Blount Pride.

November 16, 2023:  U.S. Supreme Court declines an effort by the State of Florida to reinstate enforcement of its anti-drag law.

February 1, 2024:  Parties make arguments in the TN case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. “No timetable was issued for a ruling on the case.”  You can listen to the arguments at this link.

This post simply seeks to list the actions taken by the Tennessee Attorney General's Office since September 1, 2022 using his own press releases. The items below use the wording of the title connected to the press release and do not reflect the views or the interpretation of the Tennessee Equality Project.

September 12, 2022: AG Skrmetti Leads State AG Response to U.S. Department of Education's Proposed Regulations; Redefinition of "Sex"

October 3, 2022: TN Attorney General's Office Leads 20 State Coalition in Filing Comment on Proposed HHS Regulation

October 12, 2022: AG Skrmetti Leads Thirteen State Coalition Demanding U.S. Department of Justice Respect Free Speech Rights of Critics of Irreversible Pediatric Transgender Procedures

January 26, 2023: TN Attorney General's Office Responds to Federal Government Appeal of Preliminary Injunction of Title IX Overreach

February 15, 2023:  TN AG Skrmetti Joins Multistate Coalition in Support of Florida Law Preserving Girls' Sports Teams for Biological Females

March 1, 2023:  AG Skrmetti Joins Amicus Brief Urging Sixth Circuit to Protect Religious Liberty Rights, Free Speech of Louisville Wedding Photographer

March 16, 2023:  TN Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti Joins Amicus Brief Filed with U.S. Supreme Court in Support of Fairness in Women's Sports

May 31, 2023:  TN AG Skrmetti Joins Multistate Brief in Lawsuit against Florida School District Undermining Parental Rights

June 21, 2023:  Tennessee Attorney General's Office Provides Statement Regarding VUMC Investigation

June 30, 2023:  TN AG Skrmetti Appeals the District Court Decision in Friends of George, Inc. v. Mulroy

June 30, 2023:  TN AG Skrmetti Files Motion for Emergency Stay of the Injunction in L.W., et al. v. Skrmetti, et al.

July 8, 2023:  Tennessee Attorney General Responds to Sixth Circuit's Decision in L.W. v. Skrmetti

September 28, 2023:  Tennessee Attorney General Responds to Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision in L.W. v. Skrmetti

November 2, 2023:  TN AG Leads Coalition in Criticizing EEOC's Proposed Enforcement Guidance on Workplace Harassment

November 29, 2023:  Tennessee Leads Fight against HHS' Foster Care Placement Rule that Would Violate Law and Potentially Harm Children

March 11, 2024:  TN AG Skrmetti Issues Statement Raising Concerns Over Maine's Proposed Legislative Assault on Federalism

April 29, 2024:  Media Advisory:  AG Skrmetti to Hold Press Conference Tomorrow on Tennessee's Fight to Defend Title IX

April 30, 2024:  Tennessee Leads Fight to Preserve Title IX, Student Privacy, and Fairness for Women in Education

May 13, 2024:  TN AG Skrmetti Leads 18 States in Lawsuit against Federal Agency's Unlawful Attempt to Control Private Businesses

Today we release a major new report on book bans and restrictions in Tennessee that highlights, not only the problem, but the ways local advocates are organizing to oppose these measures.

Prepared by TEP Knox, Anderson, and Blount Counties Chair Aly Chapman, the report can be found at this link.

Aly has performed a valuable service for the community by assembling this toolkit that can be used as cities and counties around the state face surging efforts to restrict access to books and other materials in school and public libraries. As well as providing general resources, the report looks at how advocates in Anderson, Maury, Wilson, Rutherford, and McMinn Counties are organizing against book bans and restrictions.

We consider research on the solutions to be vitally important. We are frequently confronted with the numbers and the news reports of attacks on books without getting a sense of how to address the issue. One path forward is looking at what local advocates have actually done, what they say works, and what they say that they need.

We hope that advocates around the state will use this toolkit in the months ahead to protect their libraries and the freedom of information so vital for our democracy.

All bills that were introduced in the 2024 legislative session affect the LGBTQ community in some way, whether they be tax bills, gun bills, or energy bills. We have put together this list of bills that either directly target the LGBTQ community or could be used for that purpose. No list is comprehensive and definitive. We could engage in further interpretation of many other bills and find a place for them on these lists. Nevertheless, this list will give anyone interested a starting point for discovering the scope of the attacks and how we fared this year.

Bills directly attacking the LGBTQ community that passed basically as they were introduced (3)

SB2766/HB1634 by Sen. Bowling and Rep. Bulso. As introduced, revises language prohibiting educators from discriminating against students on certain, specified bases such as sexual orientation to generally prohibiting educators from discriminating against students who are members of a protected class under federal or state law; removes the definition of "gender identity" for purposes of the family life curriculum.

Commentary:  The amended bill removes not only sexual orientation from the teacher code of ethics, but it also removes federally protected classes like race, sex, and national origin. Gender identity was never part of the teacher code of ethics. One positive in the amended bill is that it did not remove gender identity from the family life curriculum.

SB1738/HB2169 by Sen. Rose and Rep. Littleton. As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Parent Protection Act," which prohibits the department of children's services from requiring an adoptive or foster parent to support a policy on sexual orientation or gender identity that conflicts with the parent's sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.

SB1810/HB2165 by Sen. Rose and Rep. Littleton. As introduced, requires a request made by a student to an employee of the student's LEA or public charter school for an accommodation to affirm the student's gender identity to be reported to a school administrator and to the student's parent; prohibits an employee of an LEA or public charter school from knowingly providing false or misleading information to a student's parent regarding the student's gender identity or intention to transition to a gender that differs from the student's sex at the time of birth; authorizes civil actions to be filed by parents and by the attorney general and reporter against a noncompliant LEA or public charter school. 

Commentary:  A minor and positive amendment in the bill exempts students aged 18 and above.

Bills directly attacking the LGBTQ community that passed and were heavily amended (3)

SB2782/HB2310 by Sen. Bowling and Rep. Richey. As introduced, creates a civil cause of action against any person who knowingly removes a minor from this state without the consent of a parent of the minor for the purpose of assisting the minor in obtaining a healthcare procedure that is for the purpose of enabling the minor to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the minor's sex or treating purported discomfort or distress from a discordance between the minor's sex and asserted identity.

Commentary: At one point the bill was amended to include criminal penalties and it did not include a provision for parents to designate someone to take their child to a medical appointment. In the final bill, the criminal penalties were removed and there is a provision for parents to designate someone to assist their child.

SB2861/HB2619 by Sen. Roberts and Rep. Ragan. As introduced, permits the department to file its annual report regarding the effectiveness of diversion of offenders from state correctional institutions electronically.  As amended, the bill prevents the state from paying for gender-affirming care for incarcerated persons

Commentary:  The bill text did not start as an anti-transgender bill, but late in the session it was amended to prevent the state from paying for gender-affirming healthcare for incarcerated persons. 

SB596/HB878 by Sen. Pody and Rep. Fritts. As introduced, states that a person is not required to solemnize a marriage if the person has an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on the person's conscience or religious beliefs.

Commentary:  The final bill was heavily amended removing the language about conscience or religious beliefs. 

Bills monitored because they may have implications for the LGBTQ community that passed (6)

SB2503/HB2610 by Sen. Stevens and Rep. Garrett. As introduced, terminates the human rights commission with no wind-down period; creates the human rights division in the office of attorney general; transfers the commission's functions to the new division.

Commentary:  This bill was heavily amended to become a study of the issue. Furthermore, since the Tennessee Human Rights Act does not include sexual orientation and gender identity, the Commission has not been empowered to be a strong forum for addressing discrimination against the LGBTQ community. The discrimination intake form for the Commission makes no mention of sexual orientation or gender identity, nor does the Commission’s 2023 annual report.

SB2501/HB2784 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Cepicky. As introduced, establishes deadlines for public institutions of higher education to initiate and complete an investigation into a report filed by a student or employee alleging they have been penalized, discriminated against, or received adverse treatment due to their refusal to support or otherwise assent to a divisive concept, specific ideology, or political viewpoint; establishes financial penalties for institutions that fail to timely investigate such reports or fail to timely report the results of such investigations to the comptroller of the treasury; requires the comptroller to report institutions that frequently submit reports of such investigations to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives.

SB2749/HB2936 by Sen. Haile and Rep. Faison. As introduced, enacts the “Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act."

SB1792/HB1614 by Sen. Massey and Rep. Hazlewood. As introduced, enacts the "Protect Tennessee Minors Act"; requires an individual or commercial entity that publishes or distributes in this state a website that contains a substantial portion of material harmful to minors perform reasonable age-verification methods to verify the age of individuals attempting to access the material; specifies that a violation of age-verification or data retention requirements is a Class C felony.

SB2097/HB1891 by Sen. Johnson and Rep. Lamberth. As introduced, creates the "Protecting Children from Social Media Act."

SB2767/HB2435 by Sen. Bowling/Rep. Bulso. As introduced, requires the commissioner of education to annually transmit, no later than October 1 of each year, filings submitted to the commissioner by a local board of education regarding any action or inaction taken by the board in response to an investigation conducted by the director of schools in response to a complaint filed by a parent or legal guardian of a student who received instruction in family life that the parent or legal guardian believes to violate the requirements for such instruction to the chairs of the education committees of the senate and house of representatives. 

Bills attacking the LGBTQ community that failed (16)

SB1722/HB1605 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Bulso. The official summary notes, "As introduced, prohibits LEAs and public charter schools from displaying in public schools flags other than the official United States flag and the official Tennessee state flag."

SB1858/HB1632 by Sen. Haile and Rep. Bulso. As introduced, gives a parent of a child who attends, or who is eligible to attend, a school operated by a local education agency or a public charter school standing to file a civil action against the LEA or public charter school in a chancery court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022.

SB2351/HB1660 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Ragan. As introduced, prohibits certain institutions of higher education from defining discriminatory practices in their antidiscrimination policies in a manner inconsistent with the definition of discriminatory practices in state law; prohibits certain institutions of higher education from establishing or recognizing forms of discrimination in their antidiscrimination policies in a manner inconsistent with the forms of discrimination recognized as legally actionable by this state; requires the Tennessee higher education commission to establish a process for persons to file a complaint alleging that an institution is not complying with such prohibitions.

SB2173/HB1661 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Ragan. As introduced, enacts the "Restricted Access by Minors to Obscene Library Materials Act.

SB2350/HB1948 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Ragan. As introduced, establishes various prohibitions and requirements for public institutions of higher education regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

SB2781/HB1949 by Sen. Bowling and Rep. Ragan. As introduced, expands the offense of observation without consent to include a person or entity that adopts rules or enforces a policy or other work-related guidance for employees or contractors to promote or assist in the commission of observation without consent in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, including a restroom, locker room, dressing room, or shower, designated for multi-person, single-sex use; creates a civil action for invasion of privacy based on a violation of observation without consent.

SB2780/HB1995 by Sen. Bowling and Rep. Ragan. As introduced, requires the department to create a separate marriage license application form and marriage license form that may be used by applicants if the bride is a female and the groom is a male; prohibits a county clerk from certifying and recording this marriage license form if the form was used to solemnize a marriage between persons other than a female bride and a male groom. 

HB1991 by Rep. Leatherwood. As introduced, establishes a complaint, hearing, and removal process for clubs and organizations available to students attending a public school.

Commentary: This bill is included because it is an attack on GSAs.

SB2107/HB2457 by Sen. Pody and Rep. Lynn. As introduced, requires the removal of sexually explicit material from the libraries of public schools; creates a process for evaluating library materials for sexually explicit material in public schools.

SB2396/HB2816 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Faison. As introduced, requires gender clinics accepting funds from this state to perform gender transition procedures to also perform detransition procedures; requires insurance entities providing coverage of gender transition procedures to also cover detransition procedures; requires certain gender clinics and insurance entities to report information regarding detransition procedures to the department of health.

SB1339/HB1215 by Sen. Johnson and Speaker Sexton. As introduced, prohibits any managed care organization that contracts with the bureau of TennCare to provide medical assistance from providing reimbursement or coverage for a medical procedure if the performance or administration of the procedure is for the purpose of enabling a person to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the person's sex, or treating purported discomfort or distress from a discordance between a person's sex and asserted identity.

SB1110/HB1386 by Sen. Bowling and Rep. Ragan. As introduced, enacts the "Marital Contract at Common Law Recording Act"; authorizes county clerks to accept and record a record of common law marriage between one man and one woman; limits the jurisdiction of circuit courts and chancery courts in cases involving the definition of common law marriage to the principles of common law marriage.

SB620/HB1414 by Sen. Pody and Rep. Todd. As introduced, enacts the "Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act", which declares that the ability of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of that parent’s child is a fundamental right. Note the language on gender identity in the bill. 

SB1469/HB1447 by Sen. Johnson and Rep. Faison. As introduced, clarifies that prescribing hormone treatment for minors is not a standard medical practice when the treatment is for the purpose of enabling a minor to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the minor’s sex or treating purported discomfort or distress from a discordance between a minor's sex and asserted identity.

SB918/HB1319 by Senator Rose and Rep. Kumar. This is a caption bill with an amendment that would have the effect of restricting the display of flags such as Pride flags and Black Lives Matter flags on public buildings.

SB603/HB571 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Carringer. As introduced, prohibits public institutions of higher education offering certain medical and health-related degree or certificate programs, and state contractors, from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training and education for purposes of the issuance of a degree, or the approval of a state contract or grant, as applicable. Note: It is not clear the extent to which the practice is occurring with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity in Tennessee.

Bills monitored because they may have discriminatory implications for the LGBTQ community that failed (3)

SB1643 by Sen. Pody. As introduced, requires commercial entities that publish or distribute material on an internet website, more than one-third of which is sexual material harmful to minors, to verify that an individual attempting to access the material is 18 years of age or older; prohibits a commercial entity or a third party that performs the age verification from retaining any identifying information of the individual.

SB2042/HB2160 by Sen. Rose and Rep. Barrett. As introduced, requires a commercial entity that knowingly publishes or distributes on the internet material harmful to minors to provide internet or cellular service subscribers the opportunity to request that the commercial entity block website access through the subscriber's internet or cellular service subscription.

SB138/HB761 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Eldridge. This bill regulates phones and tablets sold in Tennessee and filtering of material deemed harmful to minors. It appears to be dealing with pornography, but it could be used to filter LGBTQ content.

Remember that in the last days of the legislative session the schedule is fluid. We will provide updates as they are available and as we are able to post them.

ACTION ITEMS

KEY EMAIL CAMPAIGNS

*Use the easy form at the link to tell the House Finance Subcommittee that HB2310 is too vague to adopt. HB2310 adds criminal stigma for youth gender-affirming care travel. It may also criminalize sharing of information about where families can get this medically necessary care.

*Use the easy form at the link to tell YOUR senator to vote NO on SB1722 and HB1319, two bills aimed at banning Pride flags and other flags in schools and on other public buildings.

KEY PHONE CALLS TO MAKE

*Call Governor Lee at 615-741-2001 and urge him to veto SB2766/HB1634, SB2861/HB2619, and SB1810/HB2165.

SB2766/HB1634 removes protected classes like sexual orientation, race, and national origin from the teacher code of ethics. SB2861/HB2619 removes the ability of the Department of Corrections to use state funds for gender-affirming care, and SB1810/HB2165 requires schools to out trans and non-binary students if they request an accommodation at school.

CALENDAR OF BILLS

MONDAY, APRIL 22

4:00 p.m.  Senate floor session. BILLS:  SB1722. Note: Deferred to Tuesday's floor session.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23

10:30 a.m. House Finance Subcommittee. BILLS:  HB2310.

2:00 p.m.  Senate floor session.  BILLS:  SB918. SB1722.

ACTION ITEMS

KEY EMAIL CAMPAIGNS

*Use the easy form at the link to tell YOUR member of the Tennessee House of Representatives to vote NO on HB2165, a bill that outs trans and non-binary students.

*Use the easy form at the link to tell the House Finance Subcommittee to ask tough questions about the definition of recruiting and whether the fiscal note is high enough for HB2310, a bill that attaches criminal penalties and stigma related to recruiting, harboring, and transporting youth for gender-affirming care contrary to the wishes of parents.

*Use the easy form at the link to tell your own senator to vote NO on the flag ban bill that is up for a vote on the Senate floor on April 17.

KEY CALL TO MAKE

*Call Governor Lee at 615-741-2001 and urge him to veto SB2766/HB1634, a bill that removes protected classes from the teacher code of ethics like race, sex, and sexual orientation and to veto SB2861/HB2619, a bill that prevents the Tennessee Department of Corrections from using state funds to provide gender-affirming care.

FULL CALENDAR

Events marked in blue include high priority bills.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

2:00 p.m.  House floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  HB2165, HB1891.

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

2:00 p.m. House Finance Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 1. BILLS:  HB2310, HB1632, HB1614.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

8:30 a.m. Senate floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  SB1722. HB1319. SB1810.

ACTION ITEMS

More will be added in the coming days.

KEY PHONE CALLS TO MAKE

*Call Governor Lee at 615-741-2001 and urge him to VETO SB1738/HB2169, a bill that prevents DCS from screening out anti-LGBTQ parents from adoption and foster care.

KEY EMAIL CAMPAIGNS

*Use the easy campaign at the link to send a message to your own member of the Tennessee of House of Representatives. On Monday, the House will vote on HB1634, which erases specific LGBTQ protections for students, and HB2165, which forces school districts to out trans students when they request an accommodation like the correct pronoun or name.

FULL CALENDAR

Items marked in blue contain priority bills.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

3:00 p.m. House floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  HB2165, HB1634, HB2610.

3:30 p.m. Senate floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  SB2097.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

1:30 p.m. Senate floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  SB1792.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

8:30 p.m. Senate floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  SB2766. SB2041.

9:00 p.m. House floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  HB2165.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

8:30 a.m. Senate floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  SB2782.

9:00 a.m. House floor session in the Capitol. BILLS:  HB2784, HB2936.

*ACTION ITEMS

More items will be added over the coming days

KEY OPPORTUNITIES TO SHOW UP

*APRIL 1 starting at 2:15 p.m.  Protest the adoption/foster care discrimination bill in the Capitol near the House Chamber. The House floor session begins at 3:00 p.m. RSVP at this event page or at the Facebook event link.

KEY EMAIL CAMPAIGNS

*NEW. Use the easy form at the link to tell your State Representative to vote NO on HB2169, the adoption/foster care discrimination bill.

*NEW. Use the easy form at the link to tell the House Education Administration Committee to vote NO on HB1634 and HB2165 that make LGBTQ students more vulnerable to discrimination and force schools to out transgender and non-binary students.

*NEW. Use the easy form at the link to tell the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Civil Justice Committee to vote NO on SB2782/HB2310, a bill that stigmatizes travel for youth gender-affirming care with criminal and civil penalties when it is not parent-approved.

FULL CALENDAR

Events marked in blue contain priority bills

MONDAY, APRIL 1

12:30 p.m. Senate Judiciary Committee in Senate Hearing Room 1. BILLS:  SB2782.

1:30 p.m. Government Operations Committee in House Hearing Room 1. BILLS:  HB2610.

3:00 p.m. House floor in the Capitol. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS:  HB2169, HJR1153.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

8:30 a.m. Senate Finance in Senate Hearing Room 1. BILLS:  SB1792. Note: This bill is behind the budget in the House.

11:00 a.m. House Civil Justice Committee in House Hearing Room 1. BILLS:  HB2936, HB1386, HB2310. Note: HB1386 has been sent to the General Subcommittee of the Senate.

1:00. Senate Judiciary Committee in Senate Hearing Room 1:  BILLS:  SB2782.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

9:00 a.m. Criminal Justice Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 2. BILLS:  HB1949. Note: This bill is deferred to summer study in the Senate.

12:30 p.m. House Education Administration Committee in House Hearing Room 1. BILLS:  HB2165, HB1634, HB2784.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

9:00 a.m. Senate floor session in the Senate Chamber in the Capitol. BILLS:  SB2767 and SB2097.