Famed financial guru Dave Ramsey endorsed a bill that would prohibit discrimination against consumers for not having masks or the COVID-19 vaccine. The bill covers more – it also would shield customers from discrimination based on the use of a medical device or having received any sort of medical treatment.
Tennessee Stands, a local grassroots nonprofit social advocacy organization, produced the legislation. The organization has also produced the Religious Exemption Protection Act, which died in subcommittee on Tuesday, and a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment addressing emergencies.
Ramsey stated that the bill relinquishes decision-making power back to where it belongs – with business owners.
“Last year, the government called on business owners to act as law enforcement agents and healthcare experts, and it’s out of bounds. Many business owners in Tennessee are much more afraid of overreaching officials sanctioning them, fining them, or arbitrarily shutting them down for not acting as enforcers than they are of the actual COVID-19 virus,” stated Ramsey. “Let’s pass the Medical Non-Discrimination Business and Consumer Act here in Tennessee so business owners can get back to doing what they do best: serving their customers.”
In a press release shared with The Tennessee Star, Tennessee Stands referenced Title III of the American Disabilities Act to explain the rationale behind the bill.
“[It] applies to discrimination in any public accommodation, including privately owned property, office buildings, doctor’s offices and schools. Not allowing employees with asthma to work and breathe freely, preventing a child with a learning disability from attending school because they cannot wear a mask, or kicking a customer out of your store because they have PTSD and cannot tolerate a mask, are all very clear violations of the law,” wrote Tennessee Stands. “Ever since elected officials introduced mask mandates in America, a tremendous amount of friction has arisen between businesses, consumers, and those that have medical disabilities, mental disabilities, or just plain common sense.”
Tennessee Stands Director of Communications Elizabeth Story told The Star that the bill would likely reduce the widely-publicized incidents that have occurred, such as those concerning customers who weren’t wearing masks.
“One thing [our press release] didn’t touch on was vigilantism, like the woman dragged out of a [Chattanooga] club by her hair for not wearing a mask while drinking,” stated Story. “That type of violence amongst consumers, we expect, will be halted by this bill’s passing.”
State Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) introduced the bill in January. Its companion bill was introduced by State Representative Susan Lynn (R-Mount Juliet) last month. Currently, the legislation is making its way through committee in both the House and Senate.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Dave Ramsey” by Dave Ramsey.
