Governor of Tennessee undermines Nashville's anti-discrimination law
Tue. May 24, 2011 6:56 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
Nashville, Tenn. -
The Governor of Tennessee signed a bill Monday that undermines Nashville's non-discrimination ordinance and makes it legal for businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians.
Gov. Bill Haslam signed Equal Access to Intrastate Commerce Act on Monday afternoon without comment. The law says that any state law supersedes local laws when it comes to discrimination ordinances.
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, which had opposed the bill, reversed their position and supported it at the last minute.
The group attempted to explain why in this statement: "Our position is now, and has historically been, that employment standards from the government should be consistent across the state and not create an additional burden on companies that are endeavoring to be competitive and provide jobs to all Tennesseans based on their individual qualifications and merit."
Gov. Bill Haslam signed Equal Access to Intrastate Commerce Act on Monday afternoon without comment. The law says that any state law supersedes local laws when it comes to discrimination ordinances.
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, which had opposed the bill, reversed their position and supported it at the last minute.
The group attempted to explain why in this statement: "Our position is now, and has historically been, that employment standards from the government should be consistent across the state and not create an additional burden on companies that are endeavoring to be competitive and provide jobs to all Tennesseans based on their individual qualifications and merit."