The Tennessee House approved a bill on Monday that would ban the display of LGBTQ flags within public school classrooms.
The 70-24 vote in the Republican-controlled House sends the legislation to the Senate, where a final vote could happen as early as this week.
Following a heated discussion, Republicans voted for Jones to be thrown out after he claimed that House Speaker Cameron Sexton had been deemed out of order for ignoring people’s requests to talk. Republicans responded to Jones’ remarks with a vote to throw him out.
Two opponents of the bill were thrown out of the gallery because they disrupted the proceedings. Democrats, and critics of this bill, said that it unfairly restricted an icon of the LGBTQ community within schools.
The Republican-controlled Tennessee House passed legislation on Monday that would largely ban the display of LGBTQ flags in public school classrooms.
Jason Powell, a Democrat Rep., said, “I’m proud to walk around public schools in my town and see the LGBTQ Flag displayed proudly by teachers who know the pain that many of their students go through. We should celebrate and welcome our students, rather than hate them. ”
The bill defines displaying as “exhibiting or placing an object anywhere where students can see it”.
This measure allows certain flags to fly but with a few exceptions. This includes the U.S. and Tennessee flags, historical flags protected by state law, and flags of Native American Tribes and local governments as a tribute for prisoners of war and missing persons.
Flags from other countries can be displayed temporarily as part of an “authentic” course. Flags are allowed by groups who have permission to use a building.
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R), Crossville, walks past protesters ahead of a legislative session which includes a vote on a ban for LGBTQ flags to be displayed in public school classrooms.
Parents or guardians of children who attend or are eligible to attend public school within the district may file a lawsuit against any employee or school that displays flags in violation of the proposed criteria.
Gino Bolso, a Republican legislator and sponsor of the legislation is Gino Bulso. Gino Bolso is a Republican representative.
Bulso stated that “we make sure parents can instill the values they desire in their children,” Bulso.
The Senate’s version restricts who can sue a school over its flag. Only employees, students, and parents are allowed to bring a suit.
Gino BLSO, Tennessee Rep.
The American Civil Liberties Union wrote to school officials, towns, and townships in a letter earlier this month. They warned them that, under First Amendment precedents, “public schools can only prohibit private speech if they interfere with an educational environment or disrupt it, or if their speech violates or interferes with other students’ rights. ” ”
Bulso stated that school employees who display the Pride Flag are not protected under the First Amendment.
Tennessee Republicans limit drag performances and classroom discussions about gender and sexuality.
