Maryville, TN – A Tennessee lawmaker has introduced a new bill that aims to establish a distinct form of marriage in the state, known as a “covenant marriage.” The proposed Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act seeks to reinforce the idea of marriage as a lifelong commitment, requiring couples to undergo counseling and agree to stricter terms for divorce.
Under the bill, a covenant marriage would be defined as a union between a man and a woman who agree that their marriage is for life. Couples seeking a covenant marriage would need to make a formal declaration of intent to commit to the lifelong relationship at the time of applying for a marriage license. This declaration includes a promise to love, honor, and care for each other, with the understanding that marriage difficulties will be addressed through counseling.
The bill outlines specific conditions under which a covenant marriage could be legally dissolved, making it more difficult to obtain a divorce compared to a traditional marriage. In order to seek a divorce, a spouse would have to prove one of several serious breaches of the marriage, such as adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, or abuse. In addition, the couple would need to have attended counseling to try to resolve their issues before being granted a divorce.
The act also specifies that couples who have been separated for extended periods—either one or two years, depending on circumstances—could be eligible for divorce, though this would only be allowed after counseling efforts and attempts to reconcile have been exhausted.
Critics of the bill argue that it imposes too many restrictions on couples seeking to end unhealthy relationships, potentially trapping individuals in toxic marriages. Supporters, however, believe it offers a more structured, responsible approach to marriage, ensuring that couples are fully aware of the commitments and responsibilities before entering into the union.
The bill is still in its early stages, but if passed, Tennessee would become one of the few states to offer a covenant marriage option, which would require couples to make a legal commitment to a lifelong partnership and fulfill the higher expectations for divorce.
