Rep. Behn's Statement on July 6th Patriot Front Rally
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: KEN JOBE, KEN.JOBE@CAPITOL.TN.GOV
Rep. Aftyn Behn, LMSW
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
51ST LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
DAVIDSON COUNTY
rep.aftyn.behn@capitol.tn.gov
Cordell Hull Building
425 John Lewis Way, Ste. 574
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-3229
House of Representatives
State of Tennessee
113TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NASHVILLE, TN
MEMBER
Health Committee
Education Instruction Committee
July 7th, 2024
RE: Patriot Front Rally on July 6th, 2024 in Downtown Nashville
As a proud representative of the people of Tennessee and House District 51, I am appalled and deeply disturbed by the recent Patriot Front rally held in downtown Nashville. This group, known for its white nationalist ideology and hateful rhetoric, stands in stark opposition to the values of inclusion, diversity, and unity that our community strives to uphold. It is essential to address the root causes that have led to the rise and confidence of the far-right in our state, exacerbated by the xenophobic, anti-trans, and pro-carceral policies aggressively pushed by the Republican supermajority.
First and foremost, let us confront the rampant xenophobia perpetuated by the Republican leadership. Tennessee once celebrated diversity and welcomed immigrants with open arms. Now, we are witnessing a deliberate campaign to demonize immigrants and people of color. These policies are crafted to stoke fear and division, diverting attention from the real issues of economic inequality and social injustice. The relentless attacks on our transgender community are equally appalling. Anti-trans policies, such as those banning gender-affirming care for minors and restricting the rights of trans individuals, are not just discriminatory—they are a calculated assault on the existence and dignity of transgender people. Furthermore, the expansion of pro-carceral policies has disproportionately targeted marginalized communities, especially Black and Brown people, perpetuating systemic racism and inequality.
These xenophobic, anti-trans, and pro-carceral policies form a dangerous trifecta that emboldens the far-right, creating an environment where hate and intolerance can flourish. This is the direct result of the Republican supermajority's agenda, which scapegoats and demonizes the most vulnerable among us. As a legislator with progressive values, I am committed to fighting against these destructive policies. We must stand united to promote inclusivity, protect the rights of all individuals, and work toward a just and equitable society. This means rejecting xenophobia, embracing diversity, standing up for our transgender community, and transforming our criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation and support rather than punishment and oppression.
Aftyn Behn
House Representative, House District 51
113th Tennessee General Assembly