Senate Speaker Randy McNally wants the legislature to consider the impact anti-LGBT bills have on the state before taking up more such measures.
Tennessee has drawn criticism lately over legislation that targets the LGBT community. At least one company has said they are reconsidering a further expansion.
McNally says it might be in the best interest of the state to not push for more of them.
“I think the legislature would be better off concentrating on making sure that businesses are welcomed in Tennessee and not take up some of these issues that really have already been addressed,” McNally says.
The speaker points to a law signed this year that allows faith-based adoption agencies to refuse to work with same-sex couples. During the final vote in the Senate, McNally abstained to show his disagreement with the law. He told reporters Thursday that the legislature should not “pass something just to be passing something.”
The legislature is expected to debate more controversial legislation this year. One of the bills (HB1369/SB1282) would essentially try to ban same-sex marriage.
“I think there’s no need to continue to stir the pot on it,” McNally said.
The General Assembly is also considering another measure (HB2576/SB2215) that would penalize parents who allow their transgender children to undergo hormone therapy.
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