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Rutherford Co. Passes Controversial Resolution

Posted at 10:23 PM, Jan 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-14 23:30:01-05

At a Rutherford County Commission meeting, commissioners passed a resolution taking a stance against the Supreme Court’s decisions on gay marriage.

The resolution that passed Thursday night was different than the one originally proposed that asked state legislators to ignore Supreme Court decisions on gay marriage, which conflict Tennessee state law.

It was changed to ask state legislators to recognize and protect the state and US constitution.

A crowd of opponents filled the courthouse. All wore red shirts and some had signs stating their opinions.

“If you want to honor Rutherford county citizens honor us all not just some,” one of the community members said.

“The resolution does nothing to promote interests of people in Tennessee, and may end in a lawsuit,” said another.

Even though both sides called the vote a victory, it is a watered-down final version that will go to the legislature.

“I think for those on my end who are concerned about the federal government intrusion and executive orders and court decisions, feel good about this because we were able to clean that up and make it a universal resolution that said were concerned about the fed government intruding on state’s rights with individuals,” said Rutherford County Commissioner, Brad Turner. 

“Regardless of how they feel about the issue, they know hundreds of constituents in the county support equality and that was eye opening for them,” said Chris Sanders with the Tennessee Equality Project.

Members of the Tennessee Equality Project said the battle was not over. A marriage definition resolution would also soon go before Dickson County commissioners next Tuesday.

Opponents were asked to show up again and wear their red shirts.