Gov. Bill Lee delivers his 2024 State of the State address
A new state law allows officiants to refuse to “solemnize” a marriage if they object "based on the person's conscience or religious beliefs."
State law allows religious leaders and a slew of public officials to solemnize — or officiate — marriages. SB0596/HB0878 — referred to by opponents as a “wedding officiant discrimination bill” — now allows them to refuse to officiate ceremonies based on personal beliefs.
Bill sponsor Sen. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon)
The legislation was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) and in the House by Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston), and was quietly signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday.
“This has nothing to do with getting a license,” Pody said during the Senate floor session on Feb. 12. “It has nothing to do with the clerks required to give a license. It just says those words. That's all there is to it.”
"Half of this bill is unnecessary, because clergy are already protected,” Tennessee Equality Project executive director Chris Sanders tells the Scene. “The other half is discriminatory because it allows public officials to turn away couples who have obtained a valid marriage license. Public officials should serve the entire public. We would be glad to work with organizations seeking to bring a legal challenge to the law."
