After Tennessee announced a new law in February that would make it harder for same-sex couples to get married in the state, singer-songwriter Cassadee Pope is taking her last name to heart.
In a Reel posted on her Instagram on Monday (March 4), The Voice alum shared her distress at Tennessee’s new law. “I don’t know if you know this, but the state I live in, Tennessee, passed a bill that allows public officials to not marry couples at their discretion,” Pope said. “Obviously this is an attack on same-sex couples.”
, which was signed into law by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Feb. 21, states that public officials — including judges and notary publics — are no longer obligated “to solemnize a marriage.” While the new law does not specifically allow county clerks to deny couples a marriage license, critics point out that allowing officials to refuse to marry couples will result in same-sex couples being discriminated against on the basis of sex and gender.
In her video, Pope revealed that she received a Certificate of Ministry from the Universal Life Church in 2020, making her an ordained minister who is able to perform marriage ceremonies. “In 2020, I got really bored and became ordained,” she said in the clip. “So if you run into any issues, I’d love to help you out.”
In her caption, the singer added a cheeky quote: “I now pronounce you whatever the hell you want.”
This isn’t the first time Pope has advocated on behalf of LGBTQ people. Back in 2022, when Brittany Aldean made misinformed and transphobic comments about gender-affirming care, Pope was one of the first artists to speak up, writing, “You’d think celebs with beauty brands would see the positives in including LGBTQ+ people in their messaging.”
Check out Pope’s full Instagram Reel below: