Story perspectives

Tennessee Bill Targets Transgender Teachers' Honorifics, Sparks Controversy

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tennessee House Republicans approved House Bill 1666, barring transgender teachers from honorifics misaligned with their biological sex.
Rep. Aron Maberry, bill sponsor, says it aims to "protect our children" from ideological influences.
Critics, including Rep. Gloria Johnson, call the measure "bigoted" and harmful to inclusivity.
The Tennessee Equality Project says the legislation will marginalize transgender educators and urges Governor Bill Lee to veto it.
The bill awaits the governor's decision.

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Story summary

Tennessee House Republicans approved House Bill 1666, barring transgender teachers from honorifics misaligned with their biological sex.
Rep. Aron Maberry, bill sponsor, says it aims to "protect our children" from ideological influences.
Critics, including Rep. Gloria Johnson, call the measure "bigoted" and harmful to inclusivity.
The Tennessee Equality Project says the legislation will marginalize transgender educators and urges Governor Bill Lee to veto it.
The bill awaits the governor's decision.