Two Tennessee state lawmakers on
Thursday introduced legislation that seeks to void the Supreme
Court's ruling striking down state bans on gay marriage in all 50
states.
According to its authors, Rep. Mark
Pody and Senator Mae Beavers, both Republicans, the Tennessee Natural
Marriage Defense Act would void the Supreme Court's ruling in
Obergefell v. Hodges and continue to define marriage in
Tennessee as solely a heterosexual union.
“Natural marriage between one (1) man
and one (1) woman as recognized by the people of Tennessee remains
the law in Tennessee, regardless of any court decision to the
contrary,” the
bill (House Bill 1412) states.
“Any court decision purporting to
strike down natural marriage, including Obergefell v. Hodges,
is unauthoritative, void and of no effect.”
The bill's unveiling coincided with a
“Religious Liberty Rally” held at the State Capitol in Nashville.
“We're going to tell the attorney
general, he will defend marriage in Tennessee as it is written on our
constitution,” Beavers
told the crowd, estimated at 400 people.
The Tennessee General Assembly
reconvenes in January.