This week the confluence of three things caused me to ask the question posed in the heading. Based on my evaluation of the conservatism that appears to have been expressed by the state Senate this week in relation to a major controversy, my answer is no. But not for the reason you might expect.

Most lawyers in America need a “remedial legal education” according to a legal scholar with whom I’ve been working in recent years. His point was proved by remarks made last week on the Tennessee House floor by a Republican Representative who is a lawyer. When you read what he said, you may laugh, but it is a serious matter. In this case, it makes a “hash” out of law and the U.S. Constitution. 

Last week the Tennessee legislature sent legislation to the governor allowing persons to sue health care providers for civil damages resulting from medical treatments administered for the purpose of gender transition. This week the sex-gender issue rises again with a bill running through the legislative committee system. Some in state government have made a mess of this issue, and it spells trouble.