Sen. Mike Bell
R-RicevilleNASHVILLE – Sen. Mike Bell on Tuesday shelved his bill aimed at protecting wedding-related business from lawsuits for refusing service to same-sex couple if it violates owners’ religious beliefs.
The Riceville Republican, who took over as lead sponsor of the controversial “Religious Freedom Act” last week, said the legislation isn’t necessary: Tennessee law already protects them.
Gay advocates, several dozen of whom showed up at Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Committee to object to the measure, applauded the move.
“We are glad that the senator will not push a bill that says here’s a class [of people] you can discriminate against,” said Chris Sanders, executive director of Tennessee Equality Project, which advocates on behalf of gay, lesbian and transgender residents.
Earlier Tuesday in Chattanooga critics gathered to object to the legislation, which said a person or group didn’t have to provide services for a domestic partnership or marriage not recognized by the state based on their religious beliefs.