Anti-LGBT legislation already introduced in the Tennessee legislature this year includes the “don’t say gay” bill (SB 49 / HB 229), which would prohibit honest and healthy conversations in Tennessee’s classrooms and further isolate vulnerable teens, and a bill (HB 331) to ban local governments from enacting stronger anti-discrimination provisions than those found in state law.
“We are pleased to forge a stronger partnership with Tennessee Equality Project and redouble our efforts in the Volunteer State,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Working together, we can make the state a better place for all Tennesseans to live, work and raise families.”
“We are excited to be partnering with the Human Rights Campaign in a meaningful way,” said TEP Board President H.G. Stovall. “All Tennesseans deserve equal protection under the law, and we will strive to ensure our rights are protected and expanded.”
Billy Leslie, a member of HRC’s Board of Governors in Nashville, added, “On behalf of HRC volunteers and supporters who live in Tennessee, we are proud to support the smart and strategic work of the Tennessee Equality Project and look forward to our continued work together.”
Announcement of the grant comes as leaders from the Human Rights Campaign’s Nashville community prepare for this Saturday’s 16th Annual HRC Nashville Dinner at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Information about the dinner is available at equalitydinner.com. A limited number of tickets are still available.
