"Paramour Provision" Not Needed in Custody Case With Lesbian Mother, Tennessee Court Rules

The Tennessean
September 21, 2009
A Tennessee Court of Appeals decision has removed a custody battle provision that said a child could not live with her mother and her mother's partner. The ACLU praised the decision, saying it was time the courts stopped viewing LGBT couples differently. [Link]

Tennessee Court Order Bars Mom’s Partner of 9 Years From Home When Mom Has Custody

ACLU
December 23, 2008
Although the evaluation concluded that Chandler’s partner was a positive influence on the children, on May 15, 2008, the court imposed a so-called “paramour” restriction on the couple, forcing Chandler’s partner from her home any nights her children are with her. The restriction has caused a huge strain on Chandler’s relationship. Right after the order was issued, Chandler’s partner was forced to move back to North Carolina, making it virtually impossible for the couple to spend time together. [Link]

BLOG: The little things that discrimination affects

Red State Exile
April 16, 2007
Back when I first posted on the effects of an anti-gay amendment within TN, I focused on the obvious problems such as being denied access to or the right to make medical decisions for a partner. Little did I consider at the time, that we wouldn't even be able to participate in a "vow renewal ceremony" at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. [link]

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/news_columnists/article/0,1406,KNS_359_5088805,00.html

Knoxville News Sentinel
October 24, 2006
Somewhere along the line, conservatives began to equate religious belief with political doctrine. And the next thing you know, the very crowd that used to decry governmental meddling now encourages governmental meddling. Proving that, just like the weather, nothing stays the same in politics. [link]

Blogger: Don't amend TN Constitution

Instapundit.com
July 15, 2006
"I'm going to try to figure out what I can do to oppose this measure, though it's a tricky political calculus as drawing attention to it may actually help its passage, since a failure to vote on the measure at all is tantamount to a 'no' vote. I suspect, though, that the anti-gay-marriage forces will make enough noise to ensure that it's not ignored." [link]

A very personal issue

CNN
June 6, 2006
The fight for marriage equality is close to home for Joan and Nancy VanReese, partners for 18 years, who share a home in the Nashville suburbs. [link]

OPINION: A majority doesn't make bigotry right in Tennessee

The Chattanoogan
May 30, 2005
Whiteman discusses the pitfalls of following the 'majority' by recalling women's suffrage, slavery, the Holocaust and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He praises the 'minority' who refuse to support putting anti-gay bigotry in the state constitution. [link]

Legislature kills anti-gay adoption ban but restrictive marriage amendment remains

365Gay.com
March 16, 2005
A House subcommittee voted down a bill that would have barred gays from adopting or serving as foster parents. Gay activists were pleased but are still apprehensive over an upcoming vote in the House on an amendment that would ban gays from marriage. [link]