TENNESSEE: Republicans Kill Bill To Ban Child Marriage Because It Interferes With Fight Against Obergefell

The Tennessean reports:

House Republicans effectively killed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit child marriages in Tennessee, citing an obscure legal theory that passing the bill could deter a conservative lawyer’s case against gay marriage. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Darren Jernigan, D-Old Hickory, calls for the state to outlaw marriages where one of the parties is under 18 years of age.

But Republican lawmakers effectively killed the bill’s chances during this legislative session when House Majority Leader Glen Casada, R-Franklin, made a motion to send the proposal to summer study in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee.

Bills do not often come back to be passed after they are sent to summer study sessions. Casada cited an email he received from attorney and former state Sen. David Fowler, president of the Family Action Council of Tennessee.

According to Fowler, Obergefell nullified all Tennessee marriages. Therefore, any bill to outlaw child marriage is a recognition that marriages in Tennessee are still real. Or something. Hit the link for more. (Tipped by JMG reader Mike)