Go to the 2018 Gubernatorial Videos main page to find out more about the letter the Family Action Council of Tennessee (FACT) sent, the questions we asked, and the process we followed in making sure as many candidates as possible participated in this video voter guide.
Each candidate was given the choice of either coming into FACT’s headquarters for interview-style videos with FACT President David Fowler or shooting the videos themselves. Randy Boyd chose to shoot the videos himself.
To view the transcribed text from the video, click on the plus sign. To collapse the text window, just click the minus sign.
QUESTION 1
What do you think is the primary function of civil government?
Randy Boyd’s answer transcribed from video
For me, that means protecting the safety and security of our citizens and then working for smaller government, lower taxes, balancing the budget, and protecting constitutional values like the Second Amendment, sanctity of innocent life, and our religious liberties. We must also focus on essential services like a vibrant public education system and a safe, reliable infrastructure.
QUESTION 2
Do you think that either the concept of “gender,” as distinguished from “sex,” or “gender identity” should be included as a protected class in Tennessee’s civil rights laws? Why or why not?
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.
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?
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.
QUESTION 4
If litigation over a new or existing law in Tennessee or even in some other state gave the United States Supreme Court an opportunity to reverse its 2015 decision regarding same-sex marriage, would it be your hope that the Court would do so? Why or why not?
Randy Boyd’s answer transcribed from video
As a Christian, I believe marriage should be between one man and one woman. And as Governor, I will continue to have that belief.
QUESTION 5
If Roe v. Wade were ever overturned, what law or laws regarding abortion would you be willing to encourage the Legislature to enact and why?
Randy Boyd’s answer transcribed from video
As a man of faith with strong pro-life values, I will fight for policies that protect the unborn, including ones that make Tennessee the most adoption-friendly state in the country.
QUESTION 6
In 2016, the ACLU filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against a local school district for discrimination because it had designated its multi-person locker rooms and bathrooms for use based on the student’s biological sex, even though it made accommodations for students who do not want to use those facilities based on their biological sex. What are your thoughts about whether schools should be allowed to have such a policy and whether the state should protect local schools from complaints and lawsuits over such policies?
Randy Boyd’s answer transcribed from video
I do not believe in a movement toward open bathroom policies that put our children and students in potentially harmful and dangerous situations. And as your next Governor, I will work to promote policies that protect our students and our children throughout the state.
QUESTION 7
Should the Attorney General continue to be appointed by the state’s Supreme Court justices or should that office be filled by popular vote of the people or by appointment of the Legislature in the same way they appoint the Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer and what is the basis for your opinion?
Randy Boyd’s answer transcribed from video
Tennessee has one of the most unique systems in our country for selecting the Attorney General, and I believe we should respect that tradition. But, as Governor, I will always look to see if there are ways can do something better. I believe we should review how we choose the Attorney General to see if it is the best way, and if it’s not, how we can do it better.
QUESTION 8
What criteria would you apply in nominating someone to the Tennessee Supreme Court?
Randy Boyd’s answer transcribed from video
The qualities I would look for in the state Supreme Court Justice are, first, faithful adherence to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Tennessee, second, is he or she a person of strong character and strict integrity, and third, are they someone who embraces Tennessee values and follows the law.
QUESTION 9
In some states, religiously-based adoption agencies are being threatened with the loss of their state license to do adoptions if they will only place children in homes in which the marriage is between a male and female. What position would your administration take on that issue?
Randy Boyd’s answer transcribed from video
As Governor, I will work to protect the religious liberties of all Tennesseans on every issue. As relates to adoption, I believe we should make it easier, not harder, to adopt and have greater options. I would not support taking away adoption licensing for those following religious-based home placement practices.
