Anti-Discrimination Law - TENNESSEE

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DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL

Chapter 21 of the Tennessee Code Annotated prohibits discriminatory practices within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State of Tennessee. "Discriminatory practices" means any direct or indirect act or practice of exclusion, distinction, restriction, segregation, limitation, refusal, denial, or any other act or practice of differentiation or preference in the treatment of a person or person because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age or national origin. The prohibition extends to places of public accommodation, resort or amusement T.C.A. 4-21-102. The constitution of the United States prohibits the abridgment of the freedom of speech. In Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971), the United States Supreme Court found that the wearing of clothing which displays writing or designs is protected under the First Amendment It is likewise well settled law that not only is a citizen's right to wear the clothing of his choice protected, but his right to belong to clubs of his choice is also a Civil Right actionable at civil lawsuit In Tennessee, T.C.A. 39-17-309 also makes it a felony to threaten or intimidate another from exercising or enjoying any right or privilege secured by the Constitution or the laws of the State of Tennessee or the laws or Constitution of the United States.

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NCOM Region

REGION V : Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee

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