Tennessee Senate Bill SB2780

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 18, Chapter 6; Title 36, Chapter 3 and Title 68, Chapter 3, relative to marriage.

Impact

The implications of SB2780 on state laws could be significant, particularly as it seeks to reaffirm and solidify traditional definitions of marriage in legal documentation. By stipulating the gender roles of applicants, it may lead to challenges in how marriage is recognized, particularly for same-sex couples or those who do not identify strictly within the gender binary. The bill could thus face scrutiny regarding its legality and alignment with broader civil rights protections.

Summary

Senate Bill 2780 aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to marriage, specifically focusing on the requirements for marriage license applications. The bill mandates the creation of a specific form for marriage license applications that enforces traditional gender roles by stipulating that only male applicants can be listed as grooms and female applicants as brides. This differentiation is a notable point that reflects ongoing debates surrounding marriage equality and gender identity in the state.

Contention

Opposition to SB2780 centers around concerns of discrimination and the potential for increased stigma against non-traditional couples. Critics argue that this bill undermines progress made towards marriage equality, and it could perpetuate a culture of exclusion for individuals who do not conform to the specified gender roles. The discussion also raises questions about how local county clerks would implement these changes and whether such forms could lead to operational inconsistencies across the state.