State House bill lets private businesses, citizens reject same-sex marriage

By , Daily Memphian Updated: February 19, 2026 5:39 PM CT | Published: February 19, 2026 5:36 PM CT

The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday, Feb. 19, that lets private businesses refuse to recognize same-sex couples.

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Tennessee Legislature same-sex marriage Tennessee House of Representatives

Noah McLane

Noah McLane reports on business for The Daily Memphian. He was born and raised in Tennessee and attended journalism school at Middle Tennessee State University, where his passion for community-focused storytelling began.

Prior to writing for the business section, Noah was the editor-in-chief of his college newspaper, worked on general assignment for the Jackson Hole News & Guide in Jackson, Wyoming, and was most recently the statehouse contractor for The Daily Memphian.


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