Lawmakers announced they have discussed increasing security measures at Legislative Plaza, after protesters essentially shut down a press conference on Wednesday.
The press conference was set to focus on two controversial bill, the "Defense of Marriage Act" and the Bathroom Bill.
The press conference was held by Senator Beavers and Representative Pody, who ended up walking out after being interrupted by protesters. Then, the lawmakers were confronted in the hallways on the way back to their offices.
Capitol Press Conference Interrupted By Protesters
Following that incident, Lieutenant Governor McNally said he thinks security could be improved at Legislative Plaza in order to cut down on disruptions and to keep everyone safe.
One way McNally said he believes that could be accomplished would be by requiring visitors to have their IDs scanned and to wear a name badge, similar to what people have to do at many schools in Tennessee and around the country.
A similar policy has been in place in the past, but the policy was removed due to creating longer lines and an inconvenience to visitors.
Many lawmakers are opposed to the discussed policy due to the burden it would put on taxpayers whom they represent.
"They should be able to come view their employees. They should make sure that we're doing our job and doing our job properly and correctly and in a manner in which they would be proud of," Representative Bo Mitchell, a Democrat from Davidson County, said. "This is their government and they have every right to be here."
McNally acknowledged that citizens have a constitutional right to protest, and he is not looking to inhibit that, instead looking to increase the security of where Tennessee's lawmakers work.
