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Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, star of TLC's "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," reality TV show, and her colorful family are paying a visit to East Tennessee.More >> Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, star of TLC's "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," reality TV show, and her colorful family are paying a visit to East Tennessee.More >> The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued an AMBER Alert for a missing 8-year-old boy from Murfreesboro.More >> The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has canceled an AMBER Alert, saying a Middlesboro 8-year-old has been found, and his father was arrested.More >> Crews were called to 608 Equestrian Circle in the Blount County section of Seymour just after 3:00 a.m. Monday morning for what was originally a robbery call. Once officers arrived, they discovered an active meth lab.More >> Five people are facing charges after an early morning meth lab bust in Seymour. Crews were called to 608 Equestrian Circle in the Blount County section of Seymour just after 3:00 a.m.More >> The Knox County Commission is expected to vote on Mayor Tim Burchett's proposed budget plan Monday afternoon.More >> The Knox County Commission is expected to vote on Mayor Tim Burchett's proposed budget plan Monday afternoon.More >> Parts of Crossville were hit with a flash flood early Saturday afternoon, after a short stint of heavy rain that caught many off guard.More >> Parts of Crossville were hit with a flash flood early Sunday afternoon, after a short stint of heavy rain that caught many off guard.More >> Police investigating reports of an intoxicated driver made an unexpected discovery when a traffic stop yielded 335 pounds of marijuana.More >> Police investigating reports of an intoxicated driver made an unexpected discovery when a traffic stop yielded 335 pounds of marijuana.More >> Gov. Bill Haslam will administer the oath of office Tuesday to the state's newest Court of Appeals judge, Thomas R. Frierson II.More >> Gov. Bill Haslam will administer the oath of office Tuesday to the state's newest Court of Appeals judge, Thomas R. Frierson II.More >> The Chattanooga market will add hundreds of hotel rooms in the coming year, following four years of booming revenues for its hotel industry.More >> The Chattanooga market will add hundreds of hotel rooms in the coming year, following four years of booming revenues for its hotel industry.More >> A Powerball ticket sold in Tennessee barely missed winning a share of an estimated $590.5 million prize. But the ticket has a nice consolation prize worth $1 million.More >> A Powerball ticket sold in Tennessee barely missed winning a share of an estimated $590.5 million prize. But the ticket has a nice consolation prize worth $1 million.More >> A Knox County man is being charged for the murder of his brother, according to the Knox County Sheriff's Office.More >> A Knox County man is being charged for the murder of his brother, according to the Knox County Sheriff's Office.More >>
By TRAVIS LOLLER
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A day after electing their first African-American president, Southern Baptists passed a resolution opposing the idea that same-sex marriage is a civil rights issue.
Thousands of delegates at the denomination's annual meeting in New Orleans on Wednesday were nearly unanimous.
It affirms Southern Baptist belief that marriage is "the exclusive union of 1 man and one woman" and that "all sexual behavior outside of marriage is sinful."
It acknowledges that gays and lesbians sometimes experience "unique struggles" but declares that they lack the "distinguishing features of classes entitled to special protections."
The nation's largest Protestant denomination is attempting to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional white Southern base. At the same time, leaders said they feel it is important to take a public stand on their opposition to same-sex marriage.
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