State lawmaker uses ethnic slur for Latinos during discussion on sanctuary city bill

While discussing his bill prohibiting sanctuary city policies, a Tennessee lawmaker on Wednesday used an ethnic slur for Latinos in the course of telling a story about working alongside migrant workers as a young person.

Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, used the term while speaking in the House Finance, Ways & Means subcommittee about HB 2315, which would ban sanctuary cities in Tennessee and require local law enforcement to detain certain immigrants.

During discussion of the bill, which was ultimately recommended to move to the full committee, Reedy told a story dating back to his junior high school years in Idaho.

To make extra money, Reedy agreed to help out at an apple orchard that his friend's father managed. While riding the bus to the orchard, Reedy said he noticed "a little Mexican fellow sitting up front behind the bus driver" and being teased by others on the bus.

Reedy said he asked his friend why.

"And he said, ‘Well, he’s a wetback,'" Reedy said, continuing on to repeat the term once again to explain that the friend meant the man was "here illegally."

The term is generally understood to refer to undocumented workers, often Mexican, who arrived in the United States after swimming across the Rio Grande.

Reedy said he asked why others on the bus were mad at the man, and was told all the other migrant farmers there were "documented workers working in the state of Idaho."

"(They) said, 'He’s here illegally and if he was not here, one of their family members could have that job,'" Reedy continued. "And I was like, ‘Well, it makes sense to me.’”

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Lawmaker hasn't offered explanation for use of ethnic slur

Reedy, who shrugged after completing the story, didn't offer an explanation or apology for his use of the slur.

He didn't immediately respond to calls or an email on Wednesday seeking comment about his decision to use the term.

On Tuesday, the bill was also approved by the House State Government Committee despite concerns by some lawmakers about its constitutionality and it leading to racial profiling among law enforcement.

There are currently no municipalities in Tennessee with sanctuary city policies.

Reach Natalie Allison at nallison@tennessean.com. Follow her on Twitter at @natalie_allison.