A new bathroom bill was filed at the beginning of the legislative session; then it was withdrawn. Now it's back with new sponsors.  SB2480/HB2620 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Holt would require the TN Attorney General to represent school districts if they get sued for engaging in anti-transgender bathroom discrimination.  In other words, the power of the state government will defend school districts that target transgender students.  Immoral!

Consider emailing Sen. Hensley at [email protected] and Rep. Holt at [email protected] and ask them to withdraw SB2480/HB2620.  There will be further action steps to take on that bill in the coming weeks.

HB54, the Business License to Discriminate bill, is up for consideration on Valentine's Day!  Email Rep. Zachary at [email protected] and urge him to withdraw HB54.  If you can attend the hearing on the bill in RED on Feb. 14, RSVP at the link.  There will also be additional action steps to take on this bill in a few days.

Advancing Equality Days on the Hill:  Tomorrow (Tuesday) advocates from around the state will be participating in the first of three Advancing Equality Days on the Hill.  They have been equipped to talk about these discriminatory bills and a couple of positive bills that help the LGBTQ community.  Be encouraged by their work and mark your calendar for the second day on the Hill, which is March 6.  RSVP at the link.  The third and final of these events will be April 3.

We have a heavy workload this year.  We are grateful to those who support our lobbying work with a monthly donation.  If you are one of those individuals, your sustaining support is a rock for us.  If you would like to become a monthly supporter with a $5+ recurring donation, you can sign up here.  If you prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can do that here.

Gratefully yours,

Chris Sanders

Executive Director