NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Senate today took final action on a bill criticized by the LGBT community which seeks to require state courts use the “natural and ordinary meaning” of undefined words in state law.
Critics say the legislation could be interpreted by judges and used to deny rights to same-sex couples as well as transgender persons. At best, they contend, it will sow confusion in Tennessee courts.
Senators passed the bill, provisions of which Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery raised concerns about in a legal opinion, on a 23-6 vote and will soon go to Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.
Sen. Sara Kyle, D-Memphis, was among Democrats and a few Republicans pressing the bill’s sponsor, Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntingdon, about his intent.
“I just want to know, is this aimed at the LGBT community?” Kyle asked.