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Joydianne Damiani-Smith signed Veto SB1297/HB1151 2019-05-02 18:03:11 -0500My youngest son is transgender. If he uses a men’s locker room, he may be arrested. But if he uses a woman’s locker room. the women in the locker room would call the police, thinking he is a man. (Which he now is) This bill is ridiculous. He and others that are transgender just want to live their lives like everyone else. They are no threat to you. Not one person in this country have been attacked by a person that is transgender. Please show the people of this state that you are an intelligent man that sees this bill is discriminatory and based on ignorance and fear. Thank you.
Veto SB1297/HB1151
SB1297/HB1151, also known as the indecent exposure bill, was amended to remove the portions specifically targeting the transgender community. Legislators noted in committee meetings and during floor debates that it codifies existing law. If that is the case there is no reason to proceed. Given the long history of harassment of transgender people in spaces like restrooms, we believe Governor Bill Lee should veto the bill to prevent any anti-transgender misuse of the legislation.
Add signatureDear Governor Lee,
We call on you to veto SB1297/HB1151. Even though it has been amended, risks remain for the transgender community in any bill that further enumerates Tennessee's indecent exposure law. Legislators commented during committee and floor debates that the bill merely codifies existing law. If that is the case, there is no reason to allow the bill become law, considering the potential harm to transgender people and the negative reaction of the business community.
Thank you for considering our views.
