NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today the Tennessee House passed a bill that insulates teachers and school employees who choose to harm or discriminate against transgender students by purposefully misgendering them from any accountability or adverse action.
SB 2777/HB 2633 passed the House 67 to 25. The legislation will next face a vote in the Tennessee Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee on April 26.
Henry Seaton, ACLU of Tennessee transgender justice advocate had this reaction:
“We are extremely disturbed by today’s vote. This bill raises serious statutory and constitutional concerns by singling out trans students for worse treatment than their peers – all other students can be referred to by the pronouns that match their gender. Lawmakers have heard repeatedly how dangerous this bill can be, especially given the horrifying rates of bullying trans people face in Tennessee. Some representatives listened and voted on the right side of history – and we thank them. But most made a choice to reject and ignore the needs of a vulnerable population in our schools, and instead protect those who perpetuate bullying, stigmatization, and potentially trauma and violence. We will continue to fight for the thousands of trans children and youth across Tennessee.”
