LAFOLLETTE (WATE) - Campbell County commissioners voted down a resolution Monday to allow snake handling at churches.
A local pastor asked the commission last week to pass the resolution.
Snake handling is currently illegal in Tennessee., but Pastor Andrew Hamblin of Tabernacle Church of God in LaFollette told 6 News last week his church wanted everyone to know they're breaking that law.
Pastor Hamblin wants to repeal the measure.
Rep. Dennis Powers told Hamblin he would need a resolution from the commission in order to take the issue to the legislature.
Despite the commission's 10-2 vote against the request, Hamblin says he isn't giving up yet.
"We'll pray harder, seek the Lord a little longer and we'll come back and try it again," he said.
The pastor plans to talk with his representative next to take the matter directly to the state.
Pastor Andrew Hamblin wants to repeal the measure.
