Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act (SB 1437)

HB 1437 would require the state of Tennessee to defend natural marriage as between one man and one woman as recognized by the people of Tennessee, regardless of any court decision to the contrary. Under this bill, the attorney general and reporter would be required to defend any state or local government official from any lawsuit regarding the official’s recognition of natural marriage as defined by this section.

Under this bill, state or local agencies or officials would not be able to enforce any court order that has the effect of violating Tennessee’s laws protecting natural marriage or levy upon the property or arrest the person of any government official or individual who does not comply with any unlawful court order regarding natural marriage within Tennessee.

STATUS

Companion bill to HB 1412.

Based on model legislation drafted by the Liberty Counsel.

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People

Organizations

• Liberty Counsel — Drafted Model Law