Tennessee law

Civil Rights Laws in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA, Tenn. Code § 4-21-101 et seq.) is Tennessee's principal civil-rights statute, administered by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC). THRA covers employment, housing, and public accommodations. Tennessee has NOT added sexual orientation or gender identity as explicit protected classes under state law. The 2023 "SLAPP" legislation targeting certain speech and the 2021 hate-crime enhancement statute add context. Federal claims under § 1983, Title VII, ADA, and the Fair Housing Act remain available.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

180 days (THRC); 300 days (EEOC)Tenn. Code § 4-21-302

Discrimination charges must be filed with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission within 180 days (or 300 days if dual-filed with EEOC).

State law

Key Tennessee Statutes

Tennessee Human Rights ActTenn. Code § 4-21-101 et seq.

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age (40+), and national origin. Applies to employers with 8+ employees (broader than Title VII's 15+ threshold for most claims).

Tennessee Disability ActTenn. Code § 8-50-103

Prohibits disability discrimination in employment. Applies to private employers as well as public employers.

Tennessee Public Protection Act (Whistleblower)Tenn. Code § 50-1-304

Protects employees who refuse to participate in, or who report, illegal activities. Private cause of action with damages and attorney fees.

No Explicit SOGI ProtectionCompare Title VII post-Bostock

Tennessee has NOT added sexual orientation or gender identity as explicit protected classes under state law. Federal Title VII sex discrimination (as extended in Bostock v. Clayton County, 2020) provides federal protection.

State law

Official Sources

TN Human Rights Commission U.S. EEOC

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.

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Civil Rights Laws in Tennessee.

Statute of Limitations

Key Tennessee Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

Other state law topics.