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Tenn. Gov. Questions Need for Special Session on Bathroom Rules

Nattayanee Darath, 123rf

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is questioning the need for a special legislative session over a directive issued by President Obama’s administration that public schools must allow students to use facilities consistent with their gender identity. 

Haslam told reporters after an event at the state Capitol on Wednesday that it's unclear what the strategy or purpose of a special session would be.

Some of Haslam’s fellow Republican lawmakers have engaged in a letter-writing campaign demanding the state join lawsuits challenging the implementation of the directive.

A Tennessee bill seeking to require students to use restrooms and locker rooms corresponding to the gender listed on their birth certificates was withdrawn in the waning days of the legislative session last month.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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