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House approves bill declaring Tennessee law recognizes two sexes after months of debate
Summary
Lawmakers passed HB 12-71, a bill that states Tennessee law recognizes two sexes—male and female—after floor debate over local control and enforcement. Several amendments were proposed and defeated before passage (Ayes 72, Nays 16).
The Tennessee House on Wednesday approved House Bill 12-71, which sets state policy that there are two sexes, male and female. Leader Cochran, the bill's sponsor, told members the measure was intended to align state law with what he called "objective biological reality." "HB 12-71 simply makes it the policy of the state of Tennessee that there are 2 sexes, male and female," he said on the floor.
Opponents urged caution and pushed amendments intended to remove enforcement mechanisms or to preserve local discretion. Representative Bain argued the bill "violates the principle" of local control and warned it would override decisions made by city councils and county governments. Representative Johnson offered scientific context and cited examples of medical conditions that complicate simple binary definitions.
Several floor amendments were offered and voted on; most failed. After debate the House adopted the bill as amended. The clerk recorded the final vote as Ayes 72, Nays 16; the chair declared the bill passed.
Supporters said the bill provides legal clarity; opponents said it raises enforcement questions for local governments and could have unintended consequences for public entities and institutions. The House moved to other items following the passage vote.
