Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Voiding Nashville's Anti-Discrimination Ordinance; Lawsuit Planned

On Monday, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed HB 600 that prohibits local governments from imposing anti-discrimination provisions that vary from those in state law. The new law invalidates a Nashville ordinance that prohibits contractors from doing business with the city if they discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.  News Channel 5 reports that opponents of the state law are planning to file a lawsuit challenging it as discriminating against gays and lesbians. They say the bill has also done away with local protections against discrimination on the basis of disability or veteran status. State lawmakers who supported the bill say that Nashville's ordinance would have created confusion for businesses.