Go to the 2018 Gubernatorial Videos main page to find out more about the letter we sent, the questions we asked, and the process we followed in making sure as many candidates as possible participated in this video voter guide.
The third week in February, the Family Action Council of Tennessee (FACT) sent letters to all the gubernatorial candidates, both the Democratic candidates and the Republican candidates, asking them to participate in our video voter guide. Those candidates included (in alphabetical order): Diane Black, Randy Boyd, Karl Dean, Craig Fitzhugh, Beth Harwell, Bill Lee, and Kay White. Participants who followed our guidelines and answered all 9 questions include Diane Black, Randy Boyd, Bill Lee, and Kay White.
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QUESTION 3
Do you think the concept of sexual orientation should be included as a protected class in Tennessee’s civil rights laws? Why or why not?
DIANE BLACK
Diane Black’s answer transcribed from video
No, I do not. And I will tell you that just about a year or so ago, we had this issue come up in Congress. And I did not support a measure that would have allowed the LGBT to have a special class with federal contracts. I don’t think that’s necessary, and I would not support it here in our state.
RANDY BOYD
Randy Boyd’s answer transcribed from video
As a conservative, I firmly believe in the free market, not more government. I don’t think the answers to the questions of gender or sexual orientation are going to be solved by more government.
BILL LEE
Bill Lee’s answer transcribed from video
Equal protection under the law already exists for every American. I don’t think that we should create another special class under the law that will divide us even further.
KAY WHITE
Kay White’s answer transcribed from video
No, I do not. There, again, I believe that we are born what we are born to be. And I think all people should be protected, but I don’t want people to get the wrong ideal [idea] that I think one class should be protected any more than any other class of people. We are all to be protected under the laws of our land, but I do not think that we should, for instance, in government or in the courts of our law, should we have certain people that are protected under Sharia Law, for instance, and others that go by our Constitution. No, we live in America. We have our laws; they are set. And I think if the civil rights-type people had left this alone, there would not be the problems we have today, David.
