RESOLUTION NO. RS2011-1736

A resolution recognizing those participating in the protests of Senate Bill SB0049 nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill outside the State Capitol.

WHEREAS, Brandon Holt of Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School started a movement, with aid from Erin Amlicke (also from MLK), along with Kevonte Anderson leading the way at Hume-Fogg High School, and Tim Creavin and Hannah Deegan heading the effort at University School of Nashville to bring awareness of Senate Bill SB0049 to their classmates at their respective schools; and

WHEREAS, Senate Bill SB0049, if passed by the Tennessee General Assembly, would prohibit the teaching of or furnishing of materials on human sexuality other than heterosexuality in public school grades kindergarten through eighth grade; and

WHEREAS, these students began with a small rally of a dozen protestors on Monday, May 9, 2011, after which the effort grew, with protestors on Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12 bringing in an estimated 100 students on both mornings. The crowd convened again on Tuesday, May 17, Wednesday, May 18, and Thursday, May 19 and after each protest, students entered the Capitol and sat in the balcony over the Senate floor to watch the proceedings—each day the vote was postponed, and the protestors returned at the rescheduled date; and

WHEREAS, on the morning of Friday, June 3rd a protest march was held from the courthouse to the Capitol and was covered by all networks as they delivered a petition to representatives of the Governor’s office; and

WHEREAS, scores of students have been gathering outside the Tennessee State Capital, displaying banners, posters, and wearing t-shirts in protest of Senate Bill SB0049, a website with information about the bill and why they think it should be stopped has also been created. These students are standing up for those who are too young to stand up for themselves; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes those students who participated in the protests of Senate Bill SB0049 and commend them for their civic participation.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing those participating in the protests of Senate Bill SB0049 nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill outside the State Capitol.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to those participants of the protests.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Hollin