Tennessee 'natural marriage' bill supporters gather at Capitol

In advance of a House committee's plans to discuss a controversial bill drafted in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage, more than 100 people, some of whom came from as far as Ohio, gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday in an attempt to encourage lawmakers to support the Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act.

Dozens of Christians wearing stickers saying "I support HB1412" met with lawmakers throughout the day in an attempt to gin up support for a bill that is estimated to cost the state more than $8.5 billion if it ignores the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.

'Natural marriage' bill could cost Tennessee $8 billion

Despite the massive fiscal note, the bill's main sponsors, Rep. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, and Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, stood behind their efforts.

During a lunchtime rally with supporters on the first floor of the Capitol, Pody expressed frustration over the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.

"We cannot just let this go by," he proclaimed. "Morally I believe we have to stand."

Pody pointed to the 2006 passage of the Tennessee Marriage Protection Amendment, which amended the state constitution to define marriage as being only between one man and one woman.

"We're only upholding what we've already voted on," he said. "Now is the time to act."

When asked about the $8.5 billion fiscal note, Pody said, "We don't believe it is a real note."

Beavers called it a "completely bogus" fiscal note.

Pody and Beavers were joined by an energetic crowd, which echoed praise for the lawmakers.

Beginning the rally, Cal Zastrow, an activist for an organization known as Defy Tyrants, offered up a prayer.

"We pray in Jesus' name not just for some piece of legislation to pass but for your righteousness to be exalted. And for sin and wickedness and brokenness and perversion to be stopped here in Tennessee," Zastrow said while standing next to other pastors who lined a staircase leading to the second floor.

Jeff Cobble, a Greeneville attorney who has been helping the group's efforts, defended Pody's bill.

"There is not one word in the United States Constitution giving marriage to the federal government," he said, as many in the crowd echoed agreement.

He pointed to the language of the 2006 amendment that said any judicial interpretation that does not define marriage as between a man and a woman shall be "void and unenforceable in Tennessee."

Cobble encouraged the crowd to meet with the members of the House subcommittee, which will hear the bill at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Many in the audience were outspoken about their beliefs and support of Pody and Beavers' efforts.

Bill Dunfee, a pastor at New Beginning Ministries, which is in Warsaw, Ohio, said he hopes Tennessee can set an example for other states to follow by passing Pody and Beavers' bill.

"It's refreshing and encouraging to find some elected officials who will stand and do that which is right," he said.

Vikki Lemmon, who along with a half dozen members of her family came from Centerville, said she came to Tuesday's rally because it is "important to stand up for God's law."

It is unclear whether the bill has a real chance of passage, considering the committee has two Democrats and three Republicans, one of whom — Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah — admitted Tuesday that he was against Pody's initial draft of the legislation.

Carter, who said he thinks the bill is attempting to "take a knife to a gun fight," explained that he is all for trying to rein the U.S. Supreme Court back in.

In advance of the committee's meeting, Pody has drafted an amendment to the legislation, which he plans to introduce during the House subcommittee's meeting, in an attempt to further make a case for its passage.

One aspect of Pody's amendment, obtained by The Tennessean, includes a provision that allows the speakers of the House of Representatives and the state Senate the ability to hire outside legal counsel "to defend the constitutionality" of the state's law, which includes a provision defining "natural marriage" as between one man and woman.

The amendment also would require the clerk for the office of vital records to reject any licenses that were not between a man and a woman.

"If issuance of the marriage license would enable the applicants to enter into an unlawful and invalid marriage, the clerk shall deny the application," Pody's amendment states.

Beyond those supporting the bill, the legislation has drawn the ire of many, including the Human Rights Campaign and the Tennessee Equality Project.

“This legislation is thoroughly unconstitutional, and it would no doubt cost taxpayers significantly in a vain, injudicious attempt to undermine marriage equality for LGBT Tennesseans," said Human Rights Campaign Legal Director Sarah Warbelow.

“This outrageous attack on LGBT Tennessee families is reckless and appalling,” said Chris Sanders of Tennessee Equality Project.

Reach Joel Ebert at 615-259-8379 and on Twitter @joelebert29.