Tennessee Republican Senators not ready to honor Justin’s “SexyBack”

By M&C News Mar 22, 2007, 20:51 GMT

Choice Awards - Barker Hanger - Santa Monica, CA © Scott Alan / Photorazzi

Sen. Ophelia Ford (D-Memphis) might have thought Justin Timberlake was worth honoring in his home state, but some Tennessee Republican state Senators seem to have a problem with bringing the singer and his “SexyBack” into the Legislature.

Sen. Ford had sponsored a three-page resolution that sought to honor Timberlake (who was born in Memphis) for his achievements in music and entertainment (including a stint on The Mickey Mouse Club), but some Republicans in the state Senate have problems with the wording of the document. Specifically, they have taken issue with the phrase “SexyBack” – which is used to describe the singer’s Grammy winning song.

The resolution went before the state Senate’s “Consent Calendar” (which is usually used for resolutions honoring Tennesseans or other matters not needing debate). In addition to the phrase “SexyBack,” the bill also had a mention of the singer’s “FutureSex/LoveShow” tour (which has played in Nashville) and his album ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds.’

The red flag was raised by Sen. Raymond Finney (R-Maryville) - who is the chairman of the Senate Calendar Committee and controls the "Consent Calendar" section. He brought the bill to the attention of his fellow Republicans due to its language.

At a Senate Republican Caucus meeting, Finney stated that he had concerns with the bill and was going to have it removed from the "Consent Calendar" and placed on the Regular Calendar – which would require an up and down vote rather than a yes vote on several issues.