NASHVILLE (AP) — A House subcommittee has approved legislation that would void a new Nashville ordinance barring companies that discriminate against gays and lesbians from doing business with the city.
The bill by Republican Rep. Glen Casada, of Franklin, would prohibit local governments from creating anti-discrimination laws that are stricter than the state's own laws.
Under state law it is illegal to discriminate against a person because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age or national origin.
The Nashville ordinance that was passed on Tuesday prohibits companies that discriminate because of sexual orientation or gender identity from receiving city contracts.
It does not apply to local governments' hiring policies for their own workers.
The bill passed the Commerce subcommittee on Wednesday and goes to the full committee next week.