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Lawmakers Continue To Debate Equal Child Custody

By Scott Arnold 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State lawmakers are debating a bill, that if it passes would split custody evenly between divorced parents. 

Lawmakers are feeling a lot of pressure about the issue. 

"If I see in the preceding weeks that the people in this room are going to put undue pressure on the people on this committee, then I will take it upon myself to move the bill to next year - can I have a motion to adjourn?" said State Representative John DeBerry at a committee meeting.

DeBerry's anger was the end result of weeks of public input about a highly charged, highly personal issue. 

Tennessee lawmakers created legislation years ago that calls for the mother to get first choice of custody. 

The bill up for debate would give fathers in the state more time with their children. 

"This bill is not adequate, it's unenforceable, as it stands, and we have got to find some sort of compromise," said DeBerry. 

At the last minute a compromise came from State Representative Donna Rowland.

"I am not denying that there is a problem, ladies and gentleman, actually I think it's a problem on both sides. But I cannot move legislation nor should we move legislation until we have the facts," said Rowland. 

Rep. Rowland is asking the Tennessee Bar Association for more facts and information about the issue before they vote on the bill. 

The bar will report back to lawmakers with their findings in two weeks.

E-mail: sarnold@newschannel5.com