Tennessee Lawmakers Push New Bills on School Prayer and Same-Sex Marriage Objections
Tennessee lawmakers are set to debate two new bills focused on religious expression and protections. One proposal would allow voluntary prayer and Bible studies in public schools, while another aims to shield private citizens who oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds. Both measures have been introduced by Republican representatives and are expected to draw cross-party interest.
House Bill 1491, known as the Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act, was put forward by Representative Monty Fritts. If passed, it would permit students to take part in voluntary prayer and Bible studies during school hours. These activities would require written parental consent and could not disrupt instructional time or be broadcast over school intercoms. The Bible studies would be taught in a historical context rather than as religious instruction, and participation would remain optional.
The second bill, House Bill 1473, seeks to protect individuals who object to same-sex marriage on religious grounds. Sponsored by Rep. Gino Bulso of Brentwood, the measure would prevent private citizens from being compelled to act in ways that conflict with their beliefs. Tennessee previously defined marriage as between a man and a woman in a 2006 constitutional amendment, though this was later struck down by a federal court in 2015. Bulso, who backs both bills, believes they will gain support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate. The proposals follow earlier state efforts to balance religious freedoms with legal protections.
The two bills will now move through Tennessee’s legislative process. If approved, they would introduce new rules on religious expression in schools and legal safeguards for those with objections to same-sex marriage. Schools would need to implement parental consent procedures, while private citizens could cite religious beliefs in certain legal disputes.
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