Pubdate: Fri, 19 Dec 2003
Source: Johnson City Press (TN)
Copyright: 2003 Johnson City Press and Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1983
Author: Hank Hayes, Special to the Press

UPSTATE LAWMAKER, OTHER LEGISLATORS OUTLINE STANCE ON ISSUES

BLOUNTVILLE - Positions on methamphetamine use, homeland security,
concealed weapons, gay marriage and abortion were outlined statewide
by Tennessee House Republicans in two components of their "New Vision
for Tennessee" Thursday. One component titled "Safe Homes, Safe
Neighborhoods and a Safe Tennessee" called for tougher penalties for
manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine.

"We will push for civil liability against drug dealers so that
families and communities that are affected by the parasites who profit
from drugs will be able to recover damages that results from their
crimes," state Rep. Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, said in remarks
distributed to reporters at the Sullivan County Health/Education Building.

On homeland security, House Republicans said they'll push for
legislation requiring criminal background checks for individuals
transporting hazardous materials, and attempt to repeal a law allowing
noncitizens to obtain a Tennessee driver's license.

"This law was passed in a pre-9/11 world," Mumpower said. "California
recently repealed a similar statute. If it's too liberal for
California, it's too liberal for Tennessee. ... It defies common sense
that a law passed a couple of years ago allowed illegal immigrants to
get driver's licenses in the first place. I think it is only in
keeping with common sense that we repeal that now."

The House GOP is also supporting a measure to allow valid concealed
weapon permit holders to carry their guns into a restaurant that sells
alcohol if they are not drinking. Legislation supporting the measure
failed to get to the House floor in the last legislative session.

"I definitely understand the concern," Mumpower said. "I think a lot
of the responsibility would be with the permit holder in that
situation. If it were to pass, we would address those concerns prior
to passage."

In a separate measure involving weapons, the House GOP wants local law
enforcement agencies to open their firing ranges to gun permit holders
who pay for the use of the range.

The second component discussed, called "Strong Families and
Communities," will include legislation that will allow faith-based
organizations to bid on state-funded social service programs such as
drug treatment.

"We will uphold the principle that organizations cannot use government
funds to support inherently religious activities like worship,
religious instruction and proselytization," Mumpower said. "However,
these organizations can do great work in our communities on drug
treatment and other social services. And they should not be
discriminated against because they are faith-based."

On gay marriage, House Republicans said they would clarify existing
state law by excluding civil unions and domestic partnerships from
being recognized by the state.

"I've heard from several people in my district about same-sex
marriage. We need to do something about that," said Rep. David Davis,
R-Johnson City. "Most of the people in my district are very pro-life."

On abortion, the House GOP will support a constitutional amendment
saying Tennessee's constitution does not guarantee a right to an abortion.

"Our state Supreme Court has struck down laws passed by the General
Assembly requiring a waiting period or counseling before an abortion
and a state requirement that abortions after the first trimester be
performed in a hospital," Mumpower said. "The net effect of this has
been to make our abortion laws more liberal than the U.S. Supreme
Court requires. This amendment simply assures that Tennessee courts do
not go further than the U.S. Supreme (Court) on this matter."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake