Tennessee is making national headlines again and not for reasons that make us proud.

Rep. Rick Womick has been trying to get county clerks to ignore the Supreme Court's marriage ruling.  And yesterday national LGBT outlets picked up an open letter to the LGBT community in The Tennessean written by the pastor of the Inglewood Baptist Church in which he calls on Christians to "come out" and engage in civil disobedience if necessary.

In the subject line of the post, I purposefully noted that there is a "false" sense of persecution.  In the Supreme Court's marriage ruling, our opponents actually lose nothing, as Michelle Bliss, our former public policy chair recently noted to me.  Congregations aren't forced to marry any couple.  And by licensing the marriages of same-sex couples, county clerks are not depriving different-sex couples of their rights. 

Nevertheless, the shrill cries of persecution continue.  Either these leaders really believe they are being persecuted because they don't understand the way the law works or they know better but are trying to manipulate the public.  In any event, the LGBT community and our allies have a problem.

Misinformation, whether through manipulation or ignorance, leads to bad lawmaking and hinders the kind of acceptance our community needs in order to be safe and to thrive.

In my position, I do what I can to provide accurate information about the Supreme Court's ruling and its impact, but it is absolutely critical that you do your part as well.  When you see or hear phrases like "the LGBT community is going to sue churches" or "the ruling means clergy are going to have to marry everyone now," you need to be clear that ministers and congregations still have their First Amendment rights and that the ruling only applies to state governments and their subdivisions such as county governments. 

If you're receiving this email, this point is obvious to you.  You know what the ruling does and doesn't do.  But many of our neighbors don't.  And this misinformation is the source of many of the calls for "religious freedom" and making laws based on "sincerely held religious beliefs" that bleed over into areas of law where they don't belong. 

That's it.  That's all I'm asking you to do today--correct misinformation.  I'm not asking you to give or to volunteer in any formal role.  Calmly and rationally help your neighbors understand what's really at stake in the marriage ruling.  We can't stop Rep. Womick and the pastor of Inglewood Baptist Church from trying to whip people into a frenzy.  But we can talk to the same people whom they think of as their audience and provide a clearer understanding.

I believe in those conversations and I hope you do, too.

Gratefully yours,
Chris Sanders
Executive Director

I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the comments of the Rev. Kevin Shrum, pastor of Inglewood Baptist Church, in The Tennessean. 

It's not about you:  The whole first section of Pastor Shrum's piece is founded on a basic error.  In it he argues that some Christians have capitulated to the Supreme Court's ruling and that now other Christians will be faced with the question of whether to "compromise."

Why is the pastor mistaken?  The pastor errs because the Supreme Court's decision binds the State of Tennessee, in other words, state government.  It doesn't have anything to do with the action of any faith community.  The June 26 ruling doesn't require any pastor or any congregation to sanction any marriage that runs contrary to their beliefs.  The pastor should carefully read the Supreme Court decision and the 14th Amendment.

A choice?  Of course, Pastor Shrum didn't resist the temptation of throwing in a quick "being gay is a preferred choice, sexual desire gone awry."  No serious person who studies the matter believes this; reference the American Psychological Association if you have doubts.  Pastor Shrum should consider being autobiographical and tell us how and when he chose his heterosexual attraction.  I think self-reflection actually could help him have a better dialogue with the LGBT community.

Delusions of martyrdom:  In the next section, Pastor Shrum dramatically suggests that the "ruling made every Christian in America a potential law-breaker" and that Christians will face "persecution" and, moreover, that "civil disobedience may be the order of the day."  Since congregations are not forced to marry same-sex couples, how again will there be any law-breaking?  And what forms will this persecution take?  He gives us no hint, only scary fantasies.  So why would civil disobedience be necessary?  I don't think he can actually answer these questions because he hasn't really thought through his position.

Coming out when you've never been in:  In the final section, Pastor Shrum plays with the phrase "coming out" and urges Christians to do so. But what he fails to understand or remember is that people of faith have been coming out with their positions for years.  Some have been quite vocal for decades against the LGBT community, while others have been quite vocal in support.  To whom is he speaking?  

I think what he is trying to capture is the excitement that might attend an identity of being counter-cultural.  But such excitement is usually reserved for new reformist or revolutionary movements, not for more of the same old rhetoric we've heard for decades.  So while I can't go along with Pastor Shrum's counter-cultural charade, I can offer him some comfort in saying that it's not necessary.  First, he's not being persecuted.  Has his congregation been forced to host a same-sex wedding?  Has he been sued successfully because of his stance?  Of course, not.  Second, if he wishes to take on the excitement of the counter-cultural mantle, let him become a prophet within the Southern Baptist Convention and preach to his friends about LGBT youth homelessness that comes when families reject their children on religious grounds.  Let him decry the murders of transgender women.  Let him lead a call to repentance for Western Evangelicals and fundamentalists who at times have facilitated anti-LGBT laws in Africa.  Let him turn Southern Baptist congregations into safe spaces that will work to decrease LGBT suicide in this country. 

That would be a real coming out we could all celebrate.  And if may be so bold, I think it would please God as well.

Chris Sanders, M.Div.

Executive Director, Tennessee Equality Project

Today it was reported that Rep. Rick Womick has sent a message to county clerks urging them to ignore the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Supreme Court ruling overturning the state ban on same-sex marriage.

The Representative's comments, if acted upon, could temporarily deprive people of their right to marry and would result in substantial legal expenses for county governments who would surely lose if challenged in federal district court.  Taxpayers would pick up the bill.

It's time to move forward, not back to the years of couples lacking basic protections for their relationships.  The Supreme Court has ruled.  We need to look at ways of living and working together with our neighbors of all sexual orientations and gender identities for a stronger Tennessee.

*The Representative's statements are another reminder that we will face a tough legislative session when the Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes.  We call on the LGBT community and allies across the state to get involved at this link and prepare a strong defense. 

While it's important to remind the public that LGBT people are everywhere, allies are, too.  And they certainly came out in force in Dickson today at our latest Summer of Love tour stop. 

Of the 15 adults present, 12 were allies.  Some brought their children.  I tried not to let it show, but it was emotional for me because it was yet another reminder that we're not alone in the struggle for full equality in Tennessee.  The more we reach out, the more I think we'll find a welcoming hand.

Resources for youth:  We spent a lot of time talking about how allies can help.  And as we discussed the problem of LGBT young adults being kicked out of their homes by families that refuse to accept them, it became clear that we could identify homes where they could stay.  And it occurred to me that if we had the time, we could probably do that in every county in Tennessee.  Imagine that!  A network for rejected rural LGBT youth. 

Safe spaces:  We also talked about safe after-school spaces for teens and identified programs that might be a fit.  And when we talked about Tennessee Open For Business, which is really a safe space program for LGBT people seeking to work or do business, the group lit up.  They took program window clings and began rattling off the names of businesses that might participate.

Tennessee Equality Project is grateful to Bob Kucher and Pacer Harp for hosting the event and we are pleased that group is planning to meet next month.  We think that they will bring lasting change to the Dickson area. 

The news broke today that the EEOC has ruled that job discrimination based on sexual orientation is already illegal because it is a form of sex discrimination, which is prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.  The Commission had already decided that gender identity discrimination is sex discrimination and, therefore, illegal a few years ago.

The rulings are both historic and, I think, the real beginning of the end of job discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.  But I have some questions and maybe you do, too.

1.  Is this the final word on the subject?  Probably not.  The link above is to a Washington Post piece by Dale Carpenter, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School.  In it, he notes:

"The interesting question now is how many circuit courts will go along with the EEOC’s new interpretation of Title VII. The EEOC’s views on the scope of Title VII are considered persuasive, but not binding, authority on the courts. The next president could appoint commission members who feel differently about the meaning of Title VII, and they could reverse this divided opinion.  Either way, a circuit split on the issue could be resolved by the Supreme Court in the next few years."

So it will take court challenges to make the ruling stick in the various federal districts and circuits around the country.  A conflict among the circuits could get the issue before the U.S. Supreme Court where we will likely get the final word.

2.  Should we stop trying to change federal, state and local law?  No, if we can find ways to advance explicit protections from job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, we should pursue them.  In fact, the ruling may give new life to such efforts.  It is still a good idea to pursue the Chattanooga non-discrimination ordinance, for example.  It's good for each employer to have clear protections so that LGBT employees don't have sue in order to get them.

3.  Should I talk to HR about changing the employee handbook?  Maybe.  If you have a relationship of open communication with your human resources representative, it might be worth having the conversation.  Many HR professionals will read about the EEOC ruling in trade publications over the coming weeks and may initiate changes internally. 

4.  Does the ruling apply to all employers?  It does appear that it will apply to most commercial (for profit) employers and to state and local governments.  Smaller employers may not be affected and many religiously affiliated employers will not be affected or not affected in exactly the same way that public and commercial employers will.  There is ongoing debate in the legal community about how Title VII applies to religious employers such as religiously affiliated schools.  When in doubt, consult an attorney.

5.  What can I do if I believe I have been discriminated against on the job on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity?  You can consult an attorney with the real possibility that your case will move forward.  It may not be quick or easy, but these two EEOC rulings should now give you a much firmer footing for proceeding with your complaint.  You can also contact the closest EEOC field office at this link. 

The backlash against the Supreme Court's marriage ruling is coming sooner or later.  There has been talk of a special session.  While we may avoid that fate, it's still coming.  Whether now or in January, it will be one of the toughest legislative sessions in years.  There will be bills purporting to protect pastors, businesses, and elected officials from having to deal with our community.  In other words, we will face a storm of hatred and discrimination and we will have to fight like never before.

We are setting up POWER Teams across the state.  Sign up now and we'll set up training sessions starting in late September that run throughout the fall.  You'll learn about legislation, working with the media, rallying support, social media campaigns, and communicating with legislators.  Those who attend the two-part training sessions will gain advocacy skills and a POWER Team shirt.

We need you.  Sign up for the POWER Team near you at the link.

David Payne, who coordinates Tennessee Open For Business in the Knoxville area, reports the following new members of the program:

"Bring It” Food Hub, Memphis
Chattanooga Wedding Officiants, Chattanooga
Darron Kidwell, Edward Jones Investments, Knoxville
Sapphire: A Modern Bar and Restaurant, Knoxville
The Hill, Knoxville
Lee Law Group, Johnson City
Movement Arts Collective, Red Bank, TN
Greene Skirts, Chattanooga
RFC Co, dba Johnstone Supply, Knoxville.

Tennessee Equality Project is pleased to welcome them all.  If your company would like to join free of charge, it's easy at this link.

Question:  Aren't LGBT people already protected by federal and/or state law?

Answer:  No, the words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression" are not found in federal employment law.  Look up the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Tennessee Human Rights Act, and you will not find those words included in the text. 

Question:  How does the proposed ordinance apply to the private sector?

Answer:  It doesn't, except that passage will show Chattanooga is a welcoming city and that will attract even more talented people to the area.  The ordinance itself only covers city government jobs.

Question:  Have other local governments in Tennessee passed similar ordinances?

Answer:  Yes.  Metro Nashville, the City of Knoxville, the City of Memphis, and Knox County have passed similar ordinances.

Question:  What about restrooms?  Won't people feel uncomfortable?

Answer:  The key issue with restrooms is safety.  This year OSHA has started to recommend that employers allow people to use the restroom that matches their gender identity.  A transgender woman, for example, faces the risk of being attacked in a men's restroom and that is an unacceptable risk.  Transgender people enter the restroom that matches their gender identity in order to be safe and use the restroom, not harass others. 

Question:  Where can I find the text of the proposed ordinance.

Answer:  You can find it at this link.

There's a lot of talk in the national media about what's next.  Some of it seems spot on.  Some of it feels far away from Tennessee.  Here are some items to provide a sense of what's next in Tennessee.

1.  Finishing the job on marriage equality in Tennessee.  The Supreme Court ruling was the end of one process and the beginning of another.  It struck down state bans on marriage by same-sex couples, but it didn't guarantee quick implementation, as we saw in many states.  TEP marriage sentinels worked hard to monitor the compliance of county clerks around the state and, with the Decatur County situation resolved, we're at 100%.  DMV compliance is high and fully supported at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security headquarters.  State government and University of Tennessee system employees are getting equal benefits and Tennessee Board of Regents schools have also begun the process.  Local government employees are beginning to get notification that they are included, too.  We need to continue to monitor all these developments, but Tennessee is standing out in its implementation of the Supreme Court ruling.

2.  Avoiding a special legislative session.  The day of the marriage ruling, some members of the Tennessee House began calling for a special session in order to advance bills designed to curtail the access to and benefits of marriage for same-sex couples.  It appears we may avoid a special session, and I am proud of the work the Tennessee Equality Project policy team did in reaching out to legislative leaders, even during the holiday.  So part of "what's next" is doing all we can to avoid a rush to legislative discrimination.

3.  Negative bills will eventually come, though.  Even if we avoid a special legislative session, we can expect negative bills allegedly designed to protect pastors, businesses, and even county clerks from the marriage ruling.  It will take an incredible effort to defeat them.

4.  Local advances.  I don't see much prospect for positive state legislation when the General Assembly convenes.  But we can advance a strong and positive agenda in county and city governments.  You can check out our ideas here.  And right now there are things we can do to bring back Chattanooga's non-discrimination ordinance! 

5.  Comprehensive human rights protections.  We need sexual orientation and gender identity added to laws against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, etc.  As I noted, I would not expect them at the state level.  Even at the federal level, the climb is steep.  There are steps we can take to make ourselves safer here and now, though.  We can expand the Tennessee Open For Business network, which is the best way for businesses throughout the state to show they don't discriminate.  Your business can join at this link.  And we can advance inclusive anti-bullying protections in local school districts around the state, as I mentioned in the local advocacy agenda mentioned previously.

We all know there is plenty of work to do.  It's time to use our momentum to consolidate the marriage victory, hang on through the storm of negative legislation, and make even more progress where we can.  Your contributions can help at this link.

In November 2013, a combination partner benefits/non-discrimination ordinance passed the Chattanooga City Council and was signed into law by Mayor Andy Berke.  In August 2014 it was repealed by a majority of the voters.  Now Councilman Chris Anderson is bringing back the non-discrimination portion of the ordinance.  It is up for first reading on July 14. 

The ordinance adds sexual orientation and gender identity and expression to the city's non-discrimination policy for government employees.  Marriage equality doesn't automatically bring workplace equality and there are no federal or state protections in statute for LGBT people.  So the policy is important.  It matches what Metro Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, and Knox County have already done. 

Advocates are encouraging citizens supporting the ordinance to wear red and attend the July 7 Council meeting.  RSVP at the link.

If your Chattanooga-area business, congregation, or community organization would like to endorse equal protection for city employees, it's easy.  Just endorse it at this form or email us at [email protected] and we'll add your name to a public list of endorsing organizations.