Humble: Tennessee Speaker’s Bill Would Limit Free Speech During Elections

UPDATE: Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron will join Tim Van Horn on “Wake Up Memphis” Monday at 7:07am to discuss this bill.

A Tennessee bill, if passed, would limit free speech by nonprofit organizations during elections.  Tennessee Stands Executive Director & State Senate candidate Gary Humble told Tim Van Horn on “Wake Up Memphis” that an amendment tacked on to House Bill 1201, sponsored by State Speaker Of The House (and frequent show guest) Cameron Sexton, would target and punish 501(c)(4) nonprofits who use the name or likeness of a political candidate 60 prior to an election.  View the Amendment here, specifically Section 13 on page nine.

Humble credits the people all across the state (including Mighty 990 listeners) as the catalysts for this bill.  He told Tim that contacting the Tennessee General Assembly and making their voices heard through calls and emails has an impact.  He asserts that many legislators don’t like “pushback” from constituents.

Listen to what Gary Humble had to say when asked if he could get in trouble for saying his own name during his campaign (if the bill passed).

But wait, there’s more!!!

Humble also posted (via the Tennessee Stands Facebook page) a message directly addressed to Sexton, accusing him of attacking free speech through House Bill 1201:

…when an organization simply reports the facts (and opinions and commentary) on what candidates or elected officials have done, that sir is not a “campaign activity.” That is the practice of free speech. Indeed, you are working to limit the free speech of individuals in Tennessee simply because you don’t appreciate what they have to say. These are moves made by men who have no concept of liberty and only an interest in protecting themselves, their influence, and their positions.

Here is Gary Humble’s entire “Open Letter” to Tennessee Speaker Of The House Cameron Sexton:

Want to have a say in House Bill 1201?  Click here to contact the House Local Government Committee.

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