This update is, in part, provided by helpful information from friends at the Tennessee Equality Project (http://www.tnep.org). Please join TEP today!

Today, Tuesday, March 21, a committee meeting was held to discuss the bills mentioned below. THE BILLS HAVE BEEN DEFERRED TWO WEEKS. The committee thought the bills were too confusing and needed clarification. The language will be altered by the cosponsors and presented at the next meeting - in two weeks.

The bills basically attempt to define progenitor (ancestry) as it relates to adoption. It has nothing to do with banning gay people from adopting in its current form, but these bills (cosponsored by Rep. Brian Kelsey of Shelby County) may be amended to carry "anti-gay" legislation including "anti-adoption" and "anti-child custody" language. By the way, Mr. Kelsey’s is cosponsor of HB 775, the bill outlawing gay adoption (HB775 is being monitored, but is not in committee, yet).

Since there is a two-week delay, there is still time to call or email House members on the DOMESTIC RELATIONS and FAMILY JUSTICE Subcommittees along with HOUSE LEADERSHIP. Shelby County legislators are included! Here are the easy steps:

First, here are the subcommittee members and House leadership. The Shelby County Legislators are in ALL CAPS and their phone numbers AND EMAILS added.

Domestic Relations- BEVERLY MARRERO (615.741.9128) (rep.beverly.marrero@legislature.state.tn.us), Sherry Jones, Tommie Brown, Jerome Cochran, JoAnne Favors, Matthew Hill, Debra Maggart, , Nathan Vaughn.

Family Justice - BEVERLY MARRERO (615.741.9128) (rep.beverly.marrero@legislature.state.tn.us), BARBARA COOPER (615.741.4295) (rep.barbara.cooper@legislature.state.tn.us), Glen Casada, Jimmy Eldridge, Curtis Johnson, Sherry Jones, Mark Maddox, Donna Rowland, Johnny Shaw.

House Leadership- (Speaker) Jimmy Naifeh, LOIS DEBERRY (615.741.3830) (rep.lois.deberry@legislature.state.tn.us), LARRY TURNER (615.741.6954) (rep.larry.turner@legislature.state.tn.us), Kim McMillan, Randy Rinks, Dennis Ferguson, Rob Briley.

TODAY, TEP MEMBERS WERE TOLD BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM MEMPHIS THAT THEY ARE RECEIVING YOUR EMAILS! IT IS MAKING AN IMPACT! KEEP IT UP!

Second, here are sample letters. Try to use your own words from your heart.

SAMPLE: Domestic Relations Subcommittee and Leadership. Dear Representative ______:

I am writing concerning HB 2945 and HB 2944 by Rep. Brian Kelsey calendared for House Domestic Relations Subcommittee Tuesday at noon. I am extremely concerned that these bills by Rep. Kelsey may be amended to carry "anti-gay" legislation including "anti-adoption" and "anti-child custody" language.

As the bills are currently drafted, they do no harm to our families. My fear concerns Mr. Kelsey’s co-sponsorship of HB 775, the bill outlawing gay adoption. I am apprehensive about his of motives and writing as a citizen of this State. Please do not allow amendments on Rep. Kelsey's bills and make him pledge on the record NOT TO TAKE AMENDMENTS.

There does not need to be a vehicle available to pass discriminatory language against families and kids. Thank you for your service to the State of Tennessee, and our children and families.

SAMPLE: Family Justice Subcommittee and Leadership. Dear Representative _______:

I am writing concerning a bill on calendar in Family Justice Subcommittee this week, HB 2943 by Representative Brian Kelsey. My reason for worry is simple- Mr. Kelsey is a co- sponsor of HB 775 the bill filed to outlaw gay adoption.

This representative has made his motives very clear in the past. HB 2943 has language about child custody rights, but is written to open the state’s adoption law. This sponsor and this bill are potentially very dangerous. Please do not let this bill move UNLESS there is a pledge on the record NOT TO TAKE AMENDMENTS.

We do not need another threat to families, the state’s fragile childcare system or the happy lives of Tennessee’s children who have found safe, loving homes.

We look to you, our elected officials to lead us past injustice and mean-spirited actions! Thank you for your service to the State of Tennessee, and our children and families.

Please send those emails! This week, they seem to be more effective than phone calls. It will only take a few minutes and will make a big difference. It does not matter if you are not in the district of these representatives. However, IF YOU ARE IN THEIR DISTRICT, PLEASE STATE SO IN YOUR CALL OR EMAIL!

Please help I:F and TEP fight this potentially discriminatory legislation! Remember to forward this email to anyone who may be interested in our fight for LGBT equality and fairness.

In conclusion, when you make your call or email, kindly email us to let us know. You CAN make a difference! Email us at if@mglcc.org.

To find any representative's email, click here and select HOUSE, then MEMBERS.