Posted 2/14/24

A bill that would give officiants the power to refuse to marry anyone whose habits or lifestyle they disagree with is now on its way to the Governor.

Senate bill 596 is up for third and final consideration. It's a bill that would add 10 words to the existing law of the land in Tennessee. In short, it says a person can't be required to officiate a wedding.

What isn't said in this bill it makes clear, Tennessee pastors and others with the power to marry don't have to perform ceremonies for or involving LGBTQ couples.

Many see this bill as setting a trap for legal confrontations down the line inviting unnecessary lawsuits that will only continue to spend the tax dollars of the good people of Tennessee.

The House bill passed 74 to 22 last March.

The full Senate approved it Monday night.

This bill is now headed to Governor Lee's desk where he is expected to sign it into law.