Leslie Jones Criticizes Tennessee’s Anti-Gay Marriage Bill: ‘Are We Really Going Back, Huh?’
Tennessee just keeps anti-gay laws in place, and Leslie Jones has had enough.
Tennessee passed a bill Thursday that authorized government employees to deny marriage licenses to same-sex, interracial and interfaith couples based on the employees’ personal beliefs.
Shortly after the news broke, “Saturday Night Live” alum Leslie Jones posted a screenshot of the headline with “WOW JUST WOW” written above the photo, and “Are we really going back huh?!” written below.
She captioned the post: “Wow I just can’t figure out how these things get approved. What the hell?! It’s disgusting!”
He Account statements that “a person shall not be required to solemnize a marriage if the person has an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on the person’s conscience or religious beliefs.”
The bill is the latest in a recent wave of anti-gay and anti-trans laws and comes a week after Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill restricting drag shows, or “performances of cabaret for adults” in public spaces. That new law includes “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to prurient interest.” These performers are also now required to obtain a permit before being paid to perform.
Lee signed a bill banning same-day gender-affirming care for minors.
The B-52s are also speaking out against a series of Republican-sponsored laws that affect the LGBTQ+ community.
“We, The B-52’s, are deeply concerned by the numerous new bills promoting transphobia and discrimination against transgender people and drag performers, which have been filed across the United States,” the New York-based band said. Georgia. tweeted Wednesday.
“We strongly denounce these bills and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century we are witnessing such flagrant attempts to undermine the rights of people based on their gender identity and sexual orientation,” the statement continued. “These bills not only violate the fundamental human rights of those affected, but also perpetuate a toxic culture of hate and bigotry that has no place in our society.”
And just to stick with the man, Texas country-punk band the Vandoliers performed in Tennessee last week wearing dresses.
“F— a drag bill,” the band captioned. an instagram post who wore their flannel dresses. “I’m going to auction off the dresses we wear on stage in Tennessee tonight and we’re going to donate the money to a couple of LGBTQ charities in this state. Details soon.”
“What’s happening in Tennessee is a flagrant attack on an underclass,” said Vandoliers singer Josh Fleming. Rolling Stone. “We wanted to show all of our friends and fans in the LGBTQIA+ community our unwavering love and support. We see you, we are with you and we will fight alongside you.”