The Tennessee House of Representatives passed it overwhelmingly. invoice The measure would ban the display of nearly all types of “ideological” flags, including Pride flags, in public and charter schools.
On Monday, Tennessee lawmakers voted 70-24 in favor. HB1605It prohibits public schools and classrooms from displaying flags that “represent political viewpoints, including but not limited to partisan, racial, sexual orientation, gender, or other ideological viewpoints.” One member of Congress who attended did not vote.
republican party Congressman Gino BarsoThe bill’s sponsor argued that voters have complained that too many public schools are “indoctrinating” students through ideological flags such as the Pride flag. “The whole idea is that school is a place where kids go to learn, not where kids are indoctrinated,” Bruso said.
“What we do is enable parents to instill the values they want to instill in their children.”
Bruso also expressed concern that the Pride flag equates traditional marriage with same-sex unions. “If there are parents across the state who want to instill in their children the values represented by the Pride flag, they certainly have the right to do so,” he told the full House. “On the other hand, if there are parents who want to instill in their children values that are inconsistent with the values that the Pride flag represents, they have the ability to do so.”
“Everyone is entitled to mutual respect. Everyone is entitled to mutual dignity. Everyone is entitled to tolerance.”
Almost all of the discussion and coverage of this bill has focused on the Pride flag. However, the bill also bans flags with “racial” themes, meaning controversial race-related flags, such as those supporting Black Lives Matter, are also likely to be banned in schools.
According to the provisions set forth in the bill, the only flags that schools may fly are the American flag, the Tennessee state flag, most flags associated with local and U.S. military, recognized historic flags, Native American tribal flags, and university flags. and university flags, and school flags. The bill allows for some exceptions for “ideological” flags to be “temporarily displayed as part of the regular course curriculum.”
Brusso said similar items and displays such as coffee mugs, jewelry and tattoos in Pride colors will still be allowed.
As expected, Democrats denounced the bill as bigoted and hateful. “The signal it’s sending is sinister and wrong,” said Justin, one of the “Tennessee Three” who were expelled from the state Legislature last year over gun control protests and then quickly returned to the Legislature. Congressman Pearson said.
Another Democrat got more melodramatic, portraying people with same-sex attractions as victims of endless persecution. “When I go to public schools in my city, I see LGBTQ flags flying proudly in classrooms by teachers who understand the pain that so many of their students are experiencing,” said Congressman Jason Powell. I’m proud to be able to see that.” “Instead of hating our students, we should welcome and celebrate them.”
As the House began considering the bill, Rep. Justin Jones, a member of the “Tennessee Three,” yelled and demanded approval. LGBTQ activists also gathered at the Capitol, shouting and waving pride and transgender flags.
However, expressing emotions and demonstrating did not have much effect. Jones was ruled out of order, and Bruso said stoically: “No matter how many words of hate and bigotry I throw at these parents, I’m proud to stand up here on behalf of parents across the state.” argued.
The state Senate could consider a related bill as early as Thursday, after the Senate Education Committee passed it 5-4 last week.
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