Federal Appeals Court Upholds Tennessee’s Anti-Drag Law, Dismissing Suit by LGBTQ+ Theater Group

Nashville, TN — The a controversial Tennessee law that imposes limitations on drag performances will remain effective following a federal appeals court decision on Thursday. This ruling comes after the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the law, reversing a lower court’s previous judgment that had temporarily blocked the statute on grounds of constitutional free expression rights. The court concluded that the Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater group Friends of George’s, which initiated the legal challenge last year, does not have the standing to sue. The group had argued that the law, … Read more

Tennessee’s Legal Battle with NCAA Heats Up as Court Considers Injunction on NIL Rules

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee (UT) could see the most serious charges dropped by the NCAA if a federal judge grants a preliminary injunction on February 13 to freeze the association’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules. Even if the injunction is denied, UT would still have legal grounds to challenge the NCAA penalties related to NIL, according to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. He stated that the judge’s recent opinion, which denied a temporary restraining order, strengthened UT’s position against potential NCAA sanctions. Skrmetti argued that an injunction would weaken the NCAA’s … Read more

Unveiling Government Secrets: The 50-Year Legacy of Tennessee’s ‘Sunshine Law’

Murfreesboro, Tennessee – In a time when transparency in government often faces opposition, it’s worth reflecting on the significance of the “Sunshine Law” enacted 50 years ago. State Representative John Bragg, a Democrat from Murfreesboro, championed this legislation in 1974. Although initially met with criticism and resistance, the law forever changed the way governmental meetings operate in the state. At its core, the Sunshine Law aimed to expose governmental processes to public scrutiny. Prior to its enactment, officials could conduct business in secrecy, away from prying eyes and critical voices. The proposed law received harsh … Read more