The Tennessee State Senate passed SB049, a bill to prohibit classroom discussions of any other sexual orientation than heterosexuality in public elementary or middle schools, by a vote of 19-11 on Thursday. Popularly known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill and sponsored by the 42-year-old, unmarried "longtime bachelor" Republican State Senator Stacey Campfield, the legislation has caused a furor in LGBT circles around the blogosphere.
The bill has no chance in becoming law this year, because the House companion bill has been withdrawn. Even if it does become law, any court in the country would strike it down as flagrantly unconstitutional for violating the First Amendment. Government does not get to pick and choose between the content of speech that it prohibits.
However there is a larger threat to the rights of LGBT citizens in Tennessee because earlier this month the State Senate passed legislation to overturn Nashville's civil rights ordinance and prevent any future local civil rights ordinances which expand coverage beyond state law.
