Is TN’s Governor Lying Or Just Stupid When He Says The “Don’t Say Gay” Bill Won’t Pass The House?
You may recall that the cesspool of conservatism known as Tennessee passed the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill in the Senate this last May. Curiously the state governor Bill Haslam just said, “The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill didn’t pass and probably is never going to pass.” Umm… the bill already passed the Republican-led Senate 22 to 13 and the only reason the House didn’t pick it up this year is because it got introduced too late in the legislative session. But the House has 34 Democrats and 65 Republicans… and Haslam thinks the bill has no chance of passing? Can he count?
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@Conrad Honicker: “Tennessee is a lot more than a “cesspool” of conservatism”
It’s also an epicenter of inbreeding.
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Lying OR Stupid? Well, lying and stupid are not mutually exclusive: He is a stupid lying hypocritical Repugnantan.
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Thank you, Conrad! Please don’t paint all of us in Tennessee in that ugly shade of red.
You might want to do some research before writing. If so, you would also know that Bill Haslam is Tennessee’s governor, not state senator.
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@Brad A. Palmertree: Wow. Now I feel like I was either stupid or lying by listing him as a senator. It has been corrected. Thanks!
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A few years ago I was unfortunate enough to have to transfer at Memphis Airport and actually purchased a bottled water in the terminal. I promise never again to spend another dime in that state.
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@Thomas: Whoa — let’s talk about regionalism for a second. Some of the most conservative areas in the nation breed the best organizers; if you’re faced with such discrimination, you learn how to fight back (non-violently). In the State of Tennessee, LGBT youth are fighting for their lives with such fierceness — they are the main leaders in the campaign against Stacey Campfield and this bill. So before you start characterizing people in the South East as inbred, remember you have brothers and sisters there who need your support.
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I have to say that if it wasn’t for being surrounded by ignorance every day in school and just every day life… I don’t think I would’ve ever learned how to voice my opinion and ultimately come out. I always keep open minded and love everyone for who they are. You are very right when you say the LGBT youth here a fierce. Most of my friends are very strong activists and have participated in several rallies. While we are one of the most ignorant states, the open-minded ones are the wisest people you will ever meet.
P.S. The inbreeding thing is unfortunately not a myth. The road adjacent to mine is all one family who enjoys inbreeding. My town has a population of 2,500ish and only has 10 last names.
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Bill IS on a roll between taking the word “gay” out of school, making it illegal to send an offensive email, making it illegal to post offensive images to the internet, and NOW leaving the government program put in place to raise our expectations of schools. I was compelled to create a visual commentary in response Governor Haslam’s blatant smothering of Civil Rights in our state on my blog at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/07/potentially-offensive-portrait-governor.html where you can see my new portrait of the Governor and First Lady of TN to defend Freedom of Speech.
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Sorry for the typos. Should have read:
Why the hate? There are normal homosexuals here who want nothing more than equality and fairness.
Thanks!
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Both Memphis and Nashville passed pro-gay laws protecting LGB workers. Thats what pissed off the more conservative voters in the rest of the state. Both Memphis and Nashville have vibrant progressive gay populations. To boycott the Memphis airport (a Delta Airlines hub) is just silly – Delta is a big supporter of the gay/lesbian community.
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Oh, he’s stupid no doubt.
I don’t live in TN, but I live close enough that this bill will give our legislature ideas. I mean if TN can do it, adjacent states will pass copycat legislation.
Well instead of race baiting, there’s always gay baiting.
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Tennessee is a lot more than a “cesspool” of conservatism, Villarreal. It’s also a hotbed of young queer activism, and old roots of queer culture.