November 21st 2023.
The city of Murfreesboro recently made headlines for withdrawing an ordinance that previously banned homosexuality in public. This ordinance was passed in June as part of a 'public decency' policy that prohibited 'indecent behaviours', including homosexuality, acts of masturbation, and sexual intercourse.
Outrage ensued from opposition groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, who filed a lawsuit against the city on behalf of the Tennessee Equality Project. Despite the city's efforts to drive out the LGBTQ community and drag performers, the 'public decency' ordinance was amended to remove the term 'homosexuality' just days ago.
The battle for opposition groups continues, as the ordinance is now being used to target library books with LGBTQ themes. At a meeting in early November, local activist Keri Lambert commented, "When, in the history of the world, have the people banning books been the good guys?"
The Tennessee governor, Bill Lee, has also been caught in a firestorm due to his proposal of a ban on drag shows in the state. Despite his previous involvement in a 'lighthearted school tradition' of dressing in drag as a high school student, his office has stated that the situation should not be 'conflated' with the bill.
Ultimately, the ordinance that was passed in Murfreesboro has been amended, and while the opposition groups continue to fight for their rights, the victory has been celebrated.
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