Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill that would amend the state’s pronoun law to protect individuals from being forced to use preferred honorifics along with preferred names and pronouns has officially passed the General Assembly after passing on the House floor earlier this week and concurrence by the Senate with an amendment on Wednesday.
HB1666 by Rep. Aron Maberry adds additional protection to students, faculty, and staff from being forced to use preferred or inconsistent pronouns by adding honorifics to speech protected from rebuke or punishment. Under this bill, individuals would retain the right to refuse to call a biological male “Miss,” “Ma’am,” or “Mrs.” or a biological female “Mr.” or “Sir”.
The bill has progressed along party lines through the committee process, culminating in a 70-18 vote on the House floor Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Senate passed their version, SB1665, at the beginning of March and has been awaiting action from the House before the bill can progress further. On Wednesday, the Senate revisited the legislation as the House version contained an amendment not found in SB1665.
As the amendment specifically added the inclusion of students, teachers, employees, or contractors of a public school or LEA to the expanded protections provided by the legislation, bill sponsor Sen. Paul Rose moved to concur with the language in HB1666.
Now that bills carrying the same language have been passed by both chambers, the bill can proceed to Gov. Lee’s desk for signature into law.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
