Chattanooga Councilman Challenges Tennessee's Recall Law

A Chattanooga city councilman has filed a lawsuit challenging the state's recall statute after he says citizens petitioned to remove him from office because he is gay.

Councilman Chris Anderson says the state law allows discrimination because petitioners aren't required to state a reason for recalling an official.

Residents petitioned to remove Anderson from office after he proposed allowing benefits for domestic partners of city employees.

Activist Charlie Wysong, who is helping with the recall efforts, told the Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/1cHOIrw) that the petition stems from the public's dissatisfaction with Anderson's performance in office.

In his lawsuit, Anderson calls the statute unconstitutionally vague. He asks the court to block the recall petition and strike down the statute.

The first hearing in the lawsuit is set for March 10.