On December 4th, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States will begin hearing oral arguments about Senate Bill 1. I’m grateful for the Supreme Court’s decision to take up this issue. Senate Bill 1 reflects Tennessee’s commitment to safeguarding our youth from irreversible, harmful, and unproven medical procedures. It is essential to preserve the right of states to legislate on issues that affect our children and our communities.
One of the most striking developments in 2024 is how far left the Democratic Party has shifted.
In their vision for America, men can identify as women, women as men, men can compete in women’s sports, and children can undergo permanent, irreversible surgeries under the guise of “gender affirming care.”
When did we, as a country, decide that the best way to treat minors with gender dysphoria is to make permanent changes to their bodies without thorough research, clear explanations of the long-term effects, or meaningful parental involvement? Before turning 18, minors cannot vote, buy cigarettes, get a tattoo, enlist in the military, or purchase a lottery ticket. Why, then, should a child be allowed to undergo irreversible surgery — sometimes even without parental consent?
As a State Senator, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and to protect the people of this state at all costs. At the earliest opportunity, the Tennessee House and Senate sent a clear message to the rest of the country: enough is enough. We will no longer allow vulnerable minors to be exploited for profit. Our top priority was to begin the 113th General Assembly with this monumental and vital legislation to protect children above all else.
When crafting Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1, our incredible legal team, fellow legislators, and I worked diligently to ensure the legislation was constitutionally sound and that it would make a lasting, positive impact.
Unsurprisingly, the radical left quickly responded by labeling our legislation as “dangerous.” Last October, Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1 achieved a significant victory when the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to reject the challenge brought by the ACLU and families with trans-identifying children. This win made Senate Bill 1 the first bill of its kind in the nation to be successfully defended in court, thanks to its novel approach — further highlighting Tennessee’s leadership on the national stage.
For two years, Tennessee has stood firmly on its compelling interest to protect children, and the 6th Circuit’s agreement was the decisive victory we needed. Even more importantly, it was a significant victory for democracy and was a reaffirmation of 10th Amendment principles, underscoring that decisions that are not dictated by the Constitution should be resolved by the people through their elected representatives.
With the best Attorney General in the nation, Jonathan Skrmetti, supporting us every step of the way, Senate Bill 1 has achieved victory after victory. On behalf of the entire state of Tennessee, I thank Attorney General Skrmetti for his commitment to upholding the law and fighting for Tennessee’s children.
At a time where many Attorneys General across the country focus on cases that make political statements for show rather than those that cause meaningful change, having a dedicated and principled leader like Attorney General Skrmetti is a great source of reassurance for Tennesseans.
There is a reason that Tennessee has become a sanctuary state for families across the country seeking to escape deep blue states and start a new life here. Tennessee is a free, fiscally responsible state that cares deeply for its people. We are setting an example for the rest of the nation by standing up to radicals who prey on the vulnerability of children by firmly saying “no more.” As we approach the December 4th oral arguments, I want to reassure you that Tennessee will continue to prioritize the well-being of our children, and that we will not back down.
I would be remiss if I did not thank the Supreme Court of the United States for its willingness to take up this issue and to hear from those of us who are committed to ending the exploitation of children, not just in Tennessee, but across the entire country. We have the opportunity to set a precedent for every state to follow, and we do not take this responsibility lightly.
I trust that the Supreme Court will carefully consider this legislation and its focus on protecting children. Senate Bill 1 was crafted as a way to love these children, to safeguard them from harm, and to provide real solutions that support their long-term well-being. We have prioritized defending the safety and future of Tennessee’s youth, and I remain hopeful that the Court will approach this matter with thoughtful deliberation.
Jack Johnson represents Senate District 27 which consists of Williamson County. Jack Johnson serves as the Tennessee Senate Majority Leader.
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
