A proposed Tennessee bill would strengthen “conscience rights,” allowing people qualified to officiate marriage ceremonies to refuse to perform same-sex unions, or any others to which they object.
Lawmakers in the Tennessee House of Representatives already have passed House Bill 878. To become law, the legislation now must be approved by members of the state senate, and get past the Tennessee governor’s desk.
Under state law, a long list of officials have the power to officiate—or “solemnize”—a marriage in Tennessee. The new law would allow them to decline.
Across the nation, wedding vendors have faced expensive, years-long legal battles for refusing to perform services for same-sex wedding ceremonies….