Tennessee Democrat Representative Gilmore Announces Sponsorship Of Legislation To Overturn State Law Restricting Employment Protections For Gays; Says That Anti-Gay Legislation Passed Last Year “Tarnished Our Image”

Tennessee State Rep. Brenda Gilmore believes her fellow state legislators will change their minds and allow local governments to set their own anti-discrimination policies. The Tennessean reports that Gilmore held a news conference at Legislative Plaza on Friday to announce her intention to sponsor legislation that would allow cities such as Nashville to expand workplace protections for gays, lesbians and transsexuals. The legislation would repeal a state law passed in May that prevents cities from denying contracts to businesses that don’t offer the workplace protections. The law voided a Metro ordinance. Gilmore (D-Nashville) said legislative members considering her repeal bill should be made aware of anti-discrimination policies adopted by businesses and organizations such as FedEx and Vanderbilt University. “I’m afraid the legislation passed last year tarnished our image,” Gilmore said. “It is clear business is on our side. I don’t think (state representatives) had all the information.” The importance of a uniform code of conduct for business was one reason state lawmakers supported the bill that nullified Metro’s action, Rep. Glen Casada (R-Franklin) said earlier this week. Casada was a co-sponsor of the state bill. Gilmore’s announcement was part of the 16th tour stop by the Human Rights Campaign, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. The Human Rights Campaign’s “On the Road to Equality” bus tour is in Nashville through today. Karin Quimby, Southern regional field director for the group, called the state’s actions last year “an assault on our families and LGBT people in the workforce by denying them the same protections Tennesseans enjoy.” Gilmore, Chris Sanders of the Tennessee Equality Project and state Rep. Mike Stewart (D-Nashville) said at Friday’s event that they believed the state overstepped its bounds by usurping local governments to make policies. “When people at the local level make (monumental) decisions, we in the legislature should respect that,” Stewart said. “But it’s not just about respecting local government. It’s about protecting civil rights for all Tennesseans.” The state bill, signed into law in June by Gov. Bill Haslam, also was co-sponsored by Sen. Mae Beavers, (R-Mt. Juliet). Casada said earlier this week that he did not think Gilmore’s repeal effort stood a chance in the Republican-dominated legislature, saying HB 600 passed with bipartisan support.