Tag Archives: Tennessee

In two days the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in five marriage equality cases out of Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Via the Columbus Dispatch: A same-sex marriage showdown happens in Cincinnati on Wednesday as three federal appeals judges, including two Ohioans, hear marriage cases from Ohio and three neighboring states. It will be the single-largest legal …

In a lopsided vote, Nashville’s Metro Council last night approved domestic partner benefits for city employees. The council voted 27-7 for the measure, adding Metro to a long list of public and private employers across the country that offer domestic partner benefits. The result was expected, but some council members spoke out strongly against the policy before the vote. Councilman …

Via Chris Johnson at Washington Blade: The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has set August 6 as the single day to hear arguments in the five marriage equality cases pending before the court, setting up a historic day for each of the four states in the circuit. In four separate notices on Monday, the Sixth Circuit, which is located …

The NRA would like to formally object to leftist twisting of this story. He did not “shoot” himself while driving. The victim merely has a freedom hole in his thigh. Details.

A reader tips us to this news item from two weeks ago: The City County Building was evacuated Wednesday afternoon following a bomb threat apparently aimed at Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero’s support for the upcoming Pridefest parade downtown, police said. Staffers throughout the downtown government office building were told to leave early for the day about 4 p.m. in response …

 Via the Tennessean: Tennessee advocates for same-sex marriage recognition are looking for couples willing to run to local courthouses the day those become legal, plus officiants to perform ceremonies and volunteers to help with security and logistics. It’s an effort to prepare the state for a scenario like the one in Michigan, where same-sex marriage was legal parts of March …

On Sunday I reported that Tennessee’s Mint Springs Farm had turned away two Iraq vets, telling them that it was against state law to host a same-sex ceremony. Last night the venue tweeted me to point out a policy change. From their press release: As the owners of Mint Springs Farm, we have had time to regroup and reflect. We …

Via Nashville’s WSMV: Two Iraq War veterans said they’d picked the perfect venue for their same-sex commitment ceremony. They said just days after employees told them they could hold their ceremony there, the owner called it off, saying they can’t host the event until same-sex marriage is legal in Tennessee. “It’s pretty disheartening,” said Anthony Wilfert of Nolensville. “I would’ve …

In mid-March, a federal district court issued a temporary ruling which orders Tennessee to recognize the legal out-of-state marriages of three gay couples. That same week Tennessee Attorney General Robert Cooper announced that he would file an appeal. Yesterday the Sixth Circuit Court issued a stay on the lower court’s ruling. In deciding whether to issue a stay, the Court …

Clip recap: Michigan’s marriage ban is unconstitutional. Oklahoma couples fight back in court against an anti-gay group making misleading claims about children. A pro-equality ruling is delayed, pending appeal. But another is put in place as of now. We have some important hearings coming up very soon. And pro-equality Republicans hang on to their seats in a tight election.

On the lower right. (Tipped by JMG reader Zak)

The office of Tennessee Attorney General Robert Cooper today filed a notice of  appeal in last week’s ruling that the state must recognize the out-of-state marriages of three gay couples.  “We intend to take all necessary steps to defend the law. We have filed a motion for a stay and a notice of appeal,” said Sharon Curtis-Flair, spokeswoman for the …

Buzzfeed reports: A federal judge in Tennessee Friday ordered state officials to recognize the marriages of three same-sex couples during the consideration of their lawsuit challenging the validity of the state’s ban on recognizing such marriages. In considering the request for a preliminary injunction, U.S. District Court Judge Aleta Trauger wrote that “all relevant federal authority indicates that the plaintiffs …

Tennessee’s bill to legalize anti-gay discrimination has been withdrawn after it drew national criticism. The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville was withdrawn from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Under the measure, a person or group wouldn’t have to provide services for a domestic partnership or marriage not recognized by the state if doing so would …

On the lower right. (Tipped by JMG reader Joseph)

Via American Jesus: Meet Brother Donny Reagan. He spews his vile bigotry every Sunday from the pulpit of Happy Valley Church of Jesus Christ in Johnson City, TN. If he’s not the most racist pastor in America, then he’s at least got to crack the top 10 list. You’ll see why in this clip where he rants about the sin …

Details. (Tipped by JMG reader Daniel)

Tennessee GOP state Sen. Brian Kelsey has introduced a bill that would legalize anti-gay discrimination on the basis of “sincere religious beliefs.” Similar bills have recently been filed in several other states. From the text of Kelsey’s bill: Religion and Religious Organizations – As introduced, permits persons and religious or denominational organizations, based on sincere religious belief, to refuse to …