Speaking from the steps of the Tennessee Capitol, members of the Covenant Families Action Fund announced their support for several bills ahead of this week’s special session, including Gov. Bill Lee’s order of protection bill. That legislation, sponsored by a Democratic representative, is HB 7100 and is intended to temporarily prevent people who pose a risk to themselves or others from accessing firearms.
Melissa Alexander, one of the groups’ founders, said that the bill is an imperfect, but important step in the right direction.
“As a Republican and a gun owner, I have a deep reverence for our Constitution and the principles it stands for. If the events of March 27th teach us anything, it is that we must do everything we can under the law to keep firearms out of the hands of unstable people who intend to commit great harm,” she said.
However, that bill is facing steep opposition from several Republican lawmakers, who have said they will not passed a “red flag law.”
Members of the action fund also expressed support for improving school safety plans, and said they were disappointed with the lack of progress on improving access to mental healthcare for all Tennesseans.
David Teague, another founding member of the group, added that they do not support arming teachers.
“As the spouse of an educator and the child of a retired educator, I am acutely aware of the heavy demands and lack of margin many of our teachers currently have. We should not add armed security guard to their list of extracurriculars,” said.
The Covenant Families Action Fund has held over 60 meetings with lawmakers in preparation for the special legislative session, and will be at the Capitol throughout the week.
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