| NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Log Cabin Republicans, a coalition of gay and lesbian Republicans, condemn in the strongest possible terms Tennessee’s HB1473 and SB1746, which threatens to allow private institutions, including hospitals, banks, and insurance companies, to deny recognition of same-sex marriages.
The dire constitutional consequences of the legislation is meant to circumvent the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the 2015 Supreme Court of the United States decision Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage.
Our opposition is rooted in three primary concerns:
1. Violation of the Rule of Law and Federal Supremacy
This bill attempts to codify a legal theory that private citizens may simply choose to ignore the Fourteenth Amendment and established U.S. Supreme Court precedent. As the party of law and order, we must emphasize that legal stability is the bedrock of a healthy economy and society. Creating a "dual-reality" where a marriage is legally recognized by the state but legally ignorable by private institutions creates a confusing and chaotic landscape for Tennessee families and businesses alike.
2. Alienating the Future of the Republican Party
While this legislation may appeal to a specific segment of the base, it stands in direct contrast to the values of the next generation of Tennessee conservatives. Data consistently shows that moderate and younger Republicans overwhelmingly support the right of same-sex couples to marry. By advancing legislation that appears to target and marginalize gay citizens, the party risks pushing away the very voters needed to maintain a lasting conservative majority in Tennessee.
3. Strengthening Liberal Critiques
Legislation like HB 1473 provides significant political ammunition to our opponents. It reinforces the narrative that the Republican Party is focused on social exclusion rather than fiscal responsibility, public safety, and economic growth. This bill does not solve a practical problem for Tennesseans; rather, it creates a "state-sanctioned" path for discrimination that harms our party’s brand and our state’s reputation as a welcoming place for business and innovation.
True conservatism protects the rights of all citizens to live their lives, honor their contracts, and support their families without government-sanctioned interference from third parties.
The bill now moves to the Tennessee Senate for consideration.
Log Cabin Republicans are urging Tennesseans to CLICK HERE to contact their representative to express their opposition.
ABOUT LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS:
Log Cabin Republicans is the nation’s original and largest organization representing LGBT conservatives and straight allies who support fairness, freedom, and equality for all Americans. Log Cabin Republicans has state and local chapters nationwide, full-time staff in Washington, DC, a federal political action committee, and state political action committees. Log Cabin Republicans is an inclusive community that supports LGBT issues and conservative values through advocacy, engagement, and thought leadership. We believe in limited government, strong national defense, free markets, low taxes, personal responsibility, and individual liberty. Log Cabin Republicans represent an important part of the American family—taxpaying, hard-working people who proudly believe in this nation’s greatness. We also believe all Americans have the right to liberty and equality. We believe equality for LGBT Americans is in the finest tradition of the Republican Party. We educate our Party about why inclusion wins. # # # | 
