Resolution 121 is read into the record: “This is a resolution of the County Commission of Knox County, TN requesting that Congressman Duncan and Senators Sasser and Matthews to vote against proposed legislation amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of affectual or sexual orientation.” Comm. Flenniken reports the Intergovernmental Committee discussed but could not come to a recommendation on the resolution. As an member of the Intergovernmental Committee and as an individual he moves for its approval. Seconded by Comm. Pinkston. Comm. Rogero addresses the gathering, says it’s regrettable the resolution is before the commission, that it’s not the county business they were elected to deal with. Knox Co just lost the small schools lawsuit the same morning which may mean a $25-million loss for the county school budget, which may increase taxes by $1 to make up for it. Many other vital issues await that are the appropriate issues for the commission. Comm. Cooper tries to interrupt, but Comm. Rogero insists she has the right to speak, eliciting cheers and applause. Comm. Cooper directs her to speak to the resolution, and Comm. Rogero insists that she is. Comm. Bratton speaks up angrily insisting on letting Comm. Rogero speak and for order from the commission, and asks that Comm. Cooper make people leave the assembly if they don’t comply. Comm. Bratton: “I’m sick and tired of hearing people be rude.” Comm. Rogero continues, saying she’ll vote to “pass” on the anti-gay and pro-school-prayer resolutions because they aren’t appropriate. She requests the County Clerk make copies of the videotape of the entire discussion of the resolution and give them to Congressman Duncan and Senators Matthews and Sasser, so they can see what people in the community think. Urges gathering to contact Duncan, Matthews & Sasser on their own. Reiterates that these types of issues aren’t appropriate for the commission and take away valuable time from their proper work. Passing on resolution isn’t a weak gesture but sends the correct signal. Commissioner Dirl expresses regrets that some didn’t get to speak, and thinks they should have continued until everyone who wanted to had been heard. Commissioner Bowden says Comm. Rogero has “eloquently expressed my feelings, and Commissioner Dirl put the icing on it.” Comm. Bowden also feels these resolutions had no business being brought to the commission. Says “unequivocably” that his votes will be “No.” Comm. Ragsdale says he disagrees with Comm. Rogero, and says, “I believe good government begins in the courthouse and not in the White House,” which elicits strong applause and cheers. Thinks they need to “send a message” about how majority feels. Disagrees with statements saying the resolution promotes gay bashing and impedes equal rights; when he says no one there wants to discriminate, some in audience laugh, to which he responds he feels sorry for those laughing. “Equal rights for all, yes. Special rights for none.” During applause, Comm. Cooper tries to move on to taking the vote, but Comm. Ragsdale insists on finishing his comments. Suggests the Civil Rights Act amendment would be in conflict with TN state laws, laws he agrees with (apparently he means the sodomy law). Compromise is good, but not on this issue. Urges support of resolution. Comm. Cooper proceeds to the vote, with some confusion, but he declares the motion carried. Standing ovation is shown.
Video produced by and used with permission from Community Television of Knoxville.
1993 Knox County Commission's anti-gay Resolution 121 (TN) 