Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Tennessee House passed a bill that would make it a requirement for schools to inform parents if their child requests to be identified as transgender.
House Bill 2165 (HB2165), sponsored by Representative Mary Littleton (R-Dickson-District 78), bill requires the LEA or public charter school to inform parents if their child requests “gender-affirming” accommodations.
Additionally, it prohibits schools from hiding information or providing false information regarding the student’s gender identity or plan to transition to a gender that is different from the assigned sex at birth.
The House voted to substitute and conform to the companion bill, Senate Bill 1810 (SB1810), sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Lauderdale/Shelby/Tipton Counties-District 32), which passed the full Senate on March 21.
After Representative Littleton presented the legislation, the floor was opened for questions.
Representative Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville-District 51) noted that the legislation was “bullying gay kids in our schools” and then asked how requiring schools to reveal this would improve educational outcomes for those students.
Littleton responded, “Parents have the right to know what’s happening in the school with their children and I also think that possibly they could get that child some therapy that could help them solve their problems and make their way through school.”
Representative Greg Martin (R-Hixson-District 26) countered Behn’s comments, stating, “This bill is about empowering parents to know what is going on in the life of their children that God gave them and they have that responsibility to raise.”
Representatives Justin Jones (D-Nashville-District 52) and Justin Pearson (D-Memphis-District 86) also argued against the legislation with Jones stating that it was “weaponizing the school” against these kids and Pearson saying it was “dangerous.”
Previous question was called on the bill, and ayes prevailed in that vote, effectively halting any further discussion on the bill.
The bill passed along party lines with 73 ayes and 23 nays. It will now be sent to Governor Lee for his signature.
