A Tennessee Bill That Seeks To Protect Foster And Adoptive Families From Being Required To Affirm Certain Policies That Oppose Their Religious And Moral Beliefs Has Passed In The House Children And Family Affairs Subcommittee.
Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
A bill sponsored by Representative Mary Littleton (R-Dickson-District 78) was passed by the House Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee on Tuesday.
House Bill 2169 (HB2169) protects Tennessee foster and adoptive families from being forced to support policies that go against the family’s religious beliefs regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
This legislation “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. – Amends TCA Title 37.”
A voice vote was called on the bill and Democrats Harris, Jernigan, Powell requested to be recorded as voting No. The General Assembly website records the votes as ‘Ayes Prevail.’
This bill has now been referred to the House Civil Justice Committee.
Last year, Governor Bill Lee signed the “Forever Homes Act” that shortened the waiting period for adoptions in Tennessee and provided additional services and compensation to birth mothers. The “Forever Homes Act” was signed on the heels of the state’s ban on abortion.
Now HB2169 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 1738, seek to protect foster and adoptive families from being required to affirm certain policies that oppose their religious and moral beliefs.
HB2169 has not yet been placed on the House Civil Justice Committee calendar.
However, in the meantime, Civil Justice Committee members can be contacted in order to voice support or concern regarding HB2169.
Tennessee House Civil Justice Committee
Andrew Farmer (R) – Chair – rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4419
Darren Jernigan (D) – Vice-Chair – rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6959
Rush Bricken (R) – rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7448
Gino Bulso (R) – rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6808
Kip Capley (R) – rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2190
Rick Eldridge (R) – rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6877
Ron M. Gant (R) – rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6890
Johnny Garrett (R) – rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3893
Rusty Grills (R) – rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0718
Torrey C. Harris (D) – rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2239
William Lamberth (R) – rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1980
Mary Littleton (R) – rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7477
Antonio Parkinson (D) – rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4575
Jason Powell (D) – rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6861
Lowell Russell (R) – rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3736
Robert Stevens (R) – rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3830
Chris Todd (R) – rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7475
rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov
Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative.
You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com