EXPLAINER: Anti-LGBTQ marriage bill sparks criticism

Source: Associated Press

EXPLAINER: Anti-LGBTQ marriage bill sparks criticism

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI
April 10, 2022

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Amid several bills introduced in Tennessee that have attracted national attention this year, none has sparked as much alarm among both Republicans and Democrats as a proposal that would create a new marriage contract specifically designed to exclude same-sex couples.

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If enacted, the legislation would allow opposite-sex couples to fill out marriage “contracts” based on common law marriage principles. Typically, common law marriage refers to the legal protections of marriage given to couples who live together as a married couple, but who haven’t gotten a state marriage license.

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The Tennessee bill, however, specifically states the contract would only apply to “one man and one woman,” thereby banning same-sex couples from pursuing the option. Opposite-sex couples wouldn’t have to file the contract with the state, meaning county clerks wouldn’t have to recognize the contracts like they do with marriage licenses.

“This legislation has kept me up at night,” Republican Rep. Johnny Garrett told lawmakers earlier this week.

Garrett, who is an attorney, said the lack of state recognition would mean couples would likely be unable to claim benefits and be denied rights typically given to married couples. He also pointed out that there’s nothing prohibiting individuals from entering into multiple contracts.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-tennessee-marriage-lifestyle-couples-0cd64047dbf15682f7f3ddf2d06d6a89

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They've added a minimum age, but nothing to stop polygamy.