Tennessee Lawmaker Seeks To Repeal Anti-Gay Bias Bill

Back in May, Tennessee adopted the so-called “Equal Access to Intrastate Commerce Act,” prohibiting state municipalities from expanding workplace non-discrimination protections beyond state law. The measure effectively invalidated Nashville’s nondiscrimination ordinance, which added protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. On Friday, a Democratic state lawmaker announced that she will sponsor legislation to repeal the ‘Equal Access’ Act and called on the business community to support her effort. “I’m afraid the legislation passed last year tarnished our image,” State Rep. Brenda Gilmore said during a press conference. “It’s clear business is on our side. I don’t think (state representatives) had all the information.” The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce — which includes Nissan, FedEx, AT&T; and other large corporations — had supported the Equal Access Act out of concern for preserving “uniform code of conduct for business” in the state.