Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Aimed at preserving freedom of expression at higher education institutions by creating accountability and deterrents for discrimination against those exercising their First Amendment rights, the “Charlie Kirk Act” passed the House on Monday and will now become Tennessee law.
HB1476 by Rep. Gino Bulso will require public institutions of higher learning to adopt two separate policies on freedom of expression and the role of such institutes in political and social action. It would also create protections for students and student organizations inviting speakers, hosting events on campus, and exercising their right to free speech under the First Amendment.
Some of those protections include prohibiting universities and faculty from restricting guest speakers or refusing to allow student organizations from inviting a speaker to the school because of the speaker’s viewpoints or in response to threatened protests or opposition from students or faculty.
Another section states that a public university shall not discriminate or retaliate against a person or deny recognition to any student group based on their sincere religious beliefs or opposition to topics like abortion, homosexuality, or transgender ideology.
House Democrats have consistently objected to the legislation, claiming Charlie Kirk was a racist and divisive, but Republicans reiterated that the point of the bill was to protect all forms of thoughtful and civil conversation, even, or especially, for difficult or uncomfortable subjects.
The vote was 74-22 along party lines and the legislation will now proceed to Gov. Lee’s desk for signature into law as the Senate has already passed the companion bill and no additional amendments were made by the House.
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.
