Tennessee Stands

URGENT UPDATE on Tennessee Special Session

Update on bills filed for special session and also an election debacle for the City of Franklin alderman elections. Be sure to subscribe to our email list at tennesseestands.org

We have heard the argument over and over again from GOP leadership here in Tennessee, "we don't regulate businesses here in Tennessee." And that argument is used to try and convince the public that private employers have a liberty right to force and/or coerce their employees into making decisions as a condition of employment. Yet, EVERY member of that same GOP leadership supports the Right to Work Amendment to our Constitution which will come up for a vote in the general election in 2022. So, the legislature is willing to restrict a private business from requiring their employees to be part of a labor union, but unwilling to restrict a business from forcing medical decisions on their employees? It sounds to me that "restricting business" really has nothing to do with it. 100% of Montana Republicans voted on a bill that protects employees and consumers from these medical requirements. And Texas Gov Greg Abbott is now asking the Texas Legislature to do the same. It is time that we put the politics aside here in Tennessee and get this done in the upcoming Special Session!

People living in Shelby County want to understand why their situation seems to be a bit different from the rest of the state in terms of mask mandates and tyranny from their health department. And yes, it's a bit confusing. For one, health departments, boards of health, health directors, and health officers are all different things and per state statute carry differing powers and duties. Secondly, the federal rulings and Governor's executive orders apply differently to Shelby County because the mandates are not being made by local school boards, but the county health officer. That is an important distinction because this year, while no one was looking, the General Assembly greatly expanded the powers of the county health officer to make rules, at the direction of the Governor's office per a filed amendment to a bill. Shelby County, you have Governor Bill Lee to thank for Health Directive 26 and the continued masking of your county. Watch the video for details.

Our advice has not changed one bit despite federal rulings on masks per the ADA. Do. Not. Comply. There is no question that (3) federal judges in Tennessee are playing politics with the ADA and overstepping the boundaries of the federal bench by commandeering local boards of education to make policy. And it's ludicrous. Additionally, Williamson County Schools is working to intimidate parents by asserting that a federal judge has ordered children to wear masks in schools. The truth? He did no such thing. The judge can enjoin Executive Order 84 all day long because you never needed an executive order to opt out of a mandate for which the schools have no authority to enforce in the first place. This is just another Bill Lee smoke screen. Further, the courts did not make any such order that would disallow schools from continuing to honor religious exemptions, medical exemptions, or any other kind of exemptions. That's the truth.

Listen up Nashville!!! On October 5th, your city council is set to take the final vote on passing an ordinance for an indoor mask mandate for ALL of Nashville in public spaces. The ordinance would further put a $50 fine in place for your disobedience to tyranny. The trick, as I am sure you well know, is that they have NO LAWFUL AUTHORITY to issue this mandate. But the bigger problem is that THEY KNOW IT! The Metro Health Department has advised against the mandate. Yet, the tyrants of Nashville persist, of course, for your own good. Your Governor has a DUTY to direct the attorney general to prosecute elected officials who knowingly engage in willful misconduct (abuse of power) and petition the court to have them removed from office. Watch this video and ACT!!! Nashvillians, don't sit on your hands on this one. Don't just sit and take it. The law and our constitution is on your side.

Thank you to Senator Janice Bowling for leading the charge in the Tennessee Senate in calling for a special session of the General Assembly to address the many issues plaguing our state in terms of vanquishing liberties and government overreach. Now is the time to act. Join us on the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol on Thursday, September 16th at 11 am. Bring signs and bring your voice!

On the heels of federal mandates now coming from the Biden administration, some legislators are becoming more vocal about government overreach. But the truth is that Tennesseans have been under these coercive mandates the whole time, regardless of any action from the feds. We don't need to talk about a special session anymore. The time for action is now. We must demand that our elected representatives in the legislature call themselves into a special session by a 2/3 majority vote and act to protect the liberty of all Tennesseans from both unconstitutional federal mandates and the coercive tactics employed by corporations and private entities across the state. Let's bring this to an end. Use our Find Your Legislators tool to contact your state senator and state rep now and demand action on behalf of Tennesseans. https://tennesseestands.org/find-your-legislators/ You can also use our online tool to contact your reps directly via phone and with a personal email to demand action. No more waiting! https://tennesseestands.org/urge-legislators-for-a-special-session/

Here is an update on our lawsuit, Garfield v MTSU. Avery Garfield is a nursing student at MTSU and standing strong against their vaccine mandate in the nursing program. Trust me when I tell you that the courts DO NOT want to hear this case. In fact, it doesn't seem like any court in the state of Tennessee has any interest in checking our Governor's emergency powers, limiting the authority of school board members, or addressing these vaccine mandates or any other issue that puts them in the middle of these debates. Today, Avery was met onsite at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and escorted out of the building by campus police. They were waiting for her. They knew what she looked like and met her in the hallway. It was a setup and they knew what they were there to do on behalf of the university. What these people do not realize is that we are not going away. Avery is not going away. We have now filed our 7th emergency order in this case demanding that the court act. And it is their constitutional duty to do so whether they like it or not. Stay tuned.

The Freedom Matters Tour (www.freedommatterstour.com) is rolling on throughout Tennessee but not without its challenges. The fake news and efforts by leftists to cancel us are furious. But we persist. We had an amazing crowd of over 500 at our Chattanooga area event in Georgetown, TN, and News Channel 9 (ABC) showed up to "cover" the event. Of course and as we well expected, they characterized the event in a negative and controversial light. So, we'd like to take the opportunity to present you with the truth of what we stand for at Tennessee Stands and what we represent on our tour. And whatever you do......seriously. Do not miss the last 5 minutes of this clip with Alan Keyes, former presidential candidate, and UN Ambassador.

They say that we are dangerous. They say that we are conspiracy theorists. They say that Republicans should distance themselves from Tennessee Stands. Well, thank you for noticing that we are having an impact across the state of Tennessee. Good luck to the establishment in pretending that people are buying the lies that you continue to sell them. Here's a hint. People are smarter than you think they are.

Here is our update on happenings surrounding Tennessee's mature minor doctrine and vaccinating underaged children without parental consent. Dr Michelle Fiscus has released an official state and implicated the Governor's office in support of the mature minor doctrine. https://tennesseestands.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Statement_Fiscus_July152021-Google-Docs.pdf

Always excited to speak with my good friend, Robby Starbuck. As the Marxist agenda rages on around the globe and even here in America, liberty cries out in the streets and the people of Cuba have had enough. And the story in Cuba is important because we must always fight alongside people who are willing to put their lives on the line for freedom. We need each other and we must stand together. Sooner or later, the reluctance to overthrow oppression will give way. As my good friend put it, "liberty is addictive." Robby has some really great insight on this as his family is from Cuba. He is also running for Congress. You can check him out at Starbuck2022.com

We are excited to introduce you to Russell Newman, a marine, a great attorney, and our new senior litigator here at Tennessee Stands. We'll give a couple of updates regarding our lawsuit against Governor Bill Lee. But also, we'll continue to talk about this pesky little issue we continue to have in the court called, standing. Most people know by now that courts use "standing" as a way to avoid dealing with cases they simply do not want to deal with. However, in Tennessee, Rep. Glen Casada was able to pass a bill in 2018 which as written, was supposed to grant standing to citizens to challenge the constitutionality of governmental actions. We have an update on that battle as well.

I really enjoyed this interview with Shima. As Americans, and especially Tennesseans, it is easy to find comfort in what we've known of freedom for quite sometime and lose the ability to look objectively in the face of what can quickly become tyranny. We have allowed so much to happen over this past year and too many of us have simply accepted what some call a new normal. But Shima's perspective should cause a great deal of introspection in terms of what freedom means to us. Having been forced to wear a hijab as a young girl growning up in Iran, forced masking brought instant fear of losing the freedoms that she enjoys as an American. One of the most chilling statements was how after the revolution in Iran, many people stayed silent and "waited" for things to go back to normal. That was 42 years ago. Pay attention Tennessee.

Many know that schools across the country will be requiring students to take the big V for the big C in order to return to campus. And Vanderbilt University is leading the pack. Gary interviewed 3 Vanderbilt law students to get their thoughts. Please join us for the premiere on Tuesday at 2pm CST.

Honorable Members of the Joint Government Operations Committee, I speak for all of those who participate in our community with Tennessee Stands across our great state that we are incredibly thankful for your strong and steadfast voice in this week’s meeting concerning the Mature Minor Doctrine in addressing the TN Department of Health. In particular, you made it clear to the department that it is wholly inappropriate for the state to market medical treatment directly to minors. You stood strong for parental rights and made it clear that the Mature Minor Doctrine is not law and is being used inappropriately by the TN Department of Health, way beyond the limitations and intentions of the statutes passed by the General Assembly. Further, the committee made a strong stand for our constitutional form of government in reiterating that the health department is a legislatively created body and as such is under the strict rule of the General Assembly and therefore could be dissolved and reconstituted at your pleasure. It is way past time that bureaucrats and administrators in our government learn their place and understand that they are subordinate to the people of this state through our elected representation in the legislature. Lastly, it was stated that while it may be appropriate for a governmental agency to provide resources to the public, it is not the purpose of government to coerce or convince citizens to engage in activity they inherently disagree with. In our opinion, the marketing of masks, distancing, and now vaccination by the State of Tennessee is wholly inappropriate and it should stop immediately. Our tax dollars should never be spent on efforts to shame or coerce the public into compliance. We understand that the TN Department of Health is to reappear before this committee on July 21st. We ask that you continue to stand firm in the statements that have already been made. Please put the nail in the coffin on the Mature Minor Doctrine. And please ensure that the TN Department of Health commits to a cease and desist of all marketing that could be construed to coerce or convince any member of the public, including minors, to receive any form of medical treatment. Please help the members of this department to understand that we look to our doctors, private medical community, and ourselves in determining what is right for our health and the health of our children. We do not look to the government. Sincerely, Gary Humble Executive Director of Tennessee Stands

Absolutely must take a moment to thank the Joint Gov Ops Committee for the absolute BEST committee meeting of the 112th General Assembly here in TN. Thank you for standing up for our children, our parental rights, our personal choice regarding healthcare, and the limitations requested of the Dept of Health.

We filed a lawsuit against Gov Bill Lee on Aug 27, 2020, hoping to get some relief from the court on the tyrannical edicts being thrown about by our new king and sovereign. But here we are nearing one year later, and we are heading to the appellate court. Why? Because the judge threw us out on standing, refusing to even address the constitutionality of Tennessee's emergency powers statute. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, a court has once again ruled that these mandates from governors who pretend to have the authority to pass laws are unconstitutional. The Governor has ignored us. The General Assembly has ignored us. And now the courts do the same. But we will not give in. This must get fixed in Tennessee and we can never let this happen again. Medical freedom is important. Election integrity is critical to the security of our republic. But we cannot relent on the fight to also fix this egregious emergency powers statute that has handed unlimited power to a governor, mayors, health departments, and other unelected administrators. If we aren't committed to ensuring that our branches of government do not exceed their constitutional authority and only operate within the boundaries set by "we the people," then let's just hang the whole thing up. We've lost it all. Stay with us on this one. We must win!

There is just no other way to say it. Bill Lee is a liar. The Governor of Tennessee went on one of the most watched nightly news shows (Hannity) and told the nation that children in Tennessee have all been in school over the past year and when asked if our students are wearing masks...he said NO. The truth? The majority of our students across the state of Tennessee including higher education have been in masks including all faculty. And how did this come to be? By the Governor's own hand in Executive Order No. 55 signed on July 31, 2020, Governor Bill Lee himself "strongly encouraged" ALL schools in Tennessee to REQUIRE face coverings for all staff and students. The Governor tweeted that students in higher ed can show care and concern for others by wearing a mask. Yet, the Governor tells Sean Hannity on national news that our students don't wear masks in Tennessee because we follow the science. LIAR!!!!!!

Do not be intimidated. A Williamson County judge has opined in a court ruling that school boards in Tennessee have no basis of authority to issue mask mandates. Stand your ground and demand that your rights be respected.

We received our ruling against Williamson County Schools and we won!!! While the judge did not grant us standing in the case and therefore did not strike down the school mask regulation directly from the bench, the court ruled that local school boards HAVE NO AUTHORITY to issue requirements for face coverings. Go celebrate and take the masks off of your children! https://tennesseestands.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/williamson.schools.memorandum.order_.pdf UPDATE: What should you do next? Parents across the state of Tennessee need to organize and bring this ruling before your school boards now! Per the judge's ruling, they have NO AUTHORITY to continue with mask mandates. They now know that if you send your child to school without a mask and they are sent home or discriminated against in any way, they have a lawsuit on their hands. Be bold! Be loud! The law and liberty is on your side.

Senator Richard Briggs of Knoxville says that it is important for him to protect your "freedom from fear" by denying your constitutionally secured right of conscience. It is honestly hard to watch the stupidity that exists in this General Assembly. There is just no other way to say it. Yesterday (April 28th), SB 187 was heard on the Senate Floor. This is the bill that was set to secure religious exemptions to vaccines in our state but was amended to death by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Here again, Senator Janice Bowling goes to bat for our constitution on the Senate floor. Then come the RINOs working to strip you of every bit of dignity that you have left. We have got to take back our Tennessee.

Thank you to Todd Starnes for taking the Governor to task over the extension of emergency authority here in Tennessee and the ticker-tape parade being thrown across the country for nothing short of completely false statements being made by this administration. In this interview, the Governor states that the remarks being made by Tennessee Stands are false. So, let's layout a few facts. 1. The Governor stated that COVID-19 no longer presents an emergency here in our state. FACT: Yet, in a press conference, the Governor by his own admission renewed the state of emergency for federal dollars. In other words, your constitutionally secured liberty is for sale. 2. The Governor stated that he would NOT renew any public health orders. FACT: By EO 80, the Governor renewed EO 77, a public health order giving (6) metro health departments emergency powers to continue issuing restrictions on businesses through May 31. 3. The Governor stated that businesses in Tennessee have faced no restrictions in Tennessee for the last 8 months. FACT: Businesses in Knox county have faced restrictions until very recent changes to the authority of the Board of Health. Businesses in Davidson County are under restrictions until May 15th, and then still under mask mandates through at least June (says the Davidson Co Department of Health). Businesses in Shelby County are still under restrictions supposedly until May 31. 4. The Governor says that because of state statute, there is nothing that he can about the current restrictions of the Shelby County Health Department. FACT: Metro Health Departments currently gain their authority to place greater restrictions on businesses from EO 77, not state statute. Had the Governor simply allowed EO 77 to fully expire, the Shelby County Health Department's emergency authority would have ceased tonight at 11:59pm. FACT: Our Governor routinely says one thing but by his actions, does another. The day that Gov. Bill Lee says that he supports something, and then fully backs actions that actually accomplish what he said he was going to do, we throw an official ticker-tape parade.

What the Governor actually said, and didn't say, about our state of emergency here in Tennessee.