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  TALLAHASSEE — Today Florida Legislators advanced a bill which would have dangerous effects on local LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in employment across the state. Despite strong opposition from Equality Florida and advocates, the Florida House Subcommittee on Local, Federal, and Veterans Affairs voted 10-5 on a party line to move State Representative Bob Rommel’s HB 305 to its final committee. As filed, the bill would roll back local LGBTQ protections that currently cover nearly 60% of the state’s population.

 

Executive Summary “Astonishing. That is the first word that comes to mind as I reflect on the enormous work showcased in this 2019 recap.

  UPDATE as of 1/16/2020: Equality Florida has eliminated House Bill 3’s risk to local protections against conversion therapy. We hit the ground running in the Capitol this week for a series of rapid response meetings and worked with the sponsor of HB 3 — one of the “Slate of 8” bills — to secure this amendment! The quick action was even more critical because HB 3 is being fast-tracked through the House. We’re not out of the woods yet. Next, we’re working to fix the Senate bill.

LGBTQ EQUALITY

Equality Florida, Impact Fund, NCLR Lead Civil Rights Groups Brief in Florida Appeals Court Fight to Protect Local Human Rights Ordinances Broad coalition of civil rights groups and nonprofit organizations explain that HROs in FL are vital for providing protections against many forms of discrimination

Equality Florida is proud to announce our Fall 2019 intern cohort! We have representation from all over the state, including cities such as Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Miami, Boca Raton, Orlando and many more! As they wrap up this semester, learn a little about our interns and show them some love:

  (Please note: We will be updating this list frequently as we receive information on additional TDORV events occurring across the state.)  

 

  Written By: Gina Duncan, Director of Transgender Equality  

Equality Florida Applauds Introduction of HIV Modernization Bills Common Sense Approach to Ending HIV

  FT. LAUDERDALE, FL - Equality Florida Institute will present its highest honor, The Voice for Equality Award to Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried at the 17th Annual Equality Florida Broward Gala on Saturday, November 9th at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale.

 

  FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Equality Florida Institute will present The Youth Voice for Equality Award to cosmetics entrepreneur, Zach Dishinger, at the organization’s 17th Annual Equality Florida Broward Gala on Saturday, November 9th at Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach in Fort Lauderdale. The “must attend” event celebrates and supports the work of Equality Florida Institute, the state’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.

Outlier Ruling Endangers Minors, Enables Abusive Conversion Therapy in Tampa

Equality Florida Applauds Passage of Miami-Dade LGBTQ Advisory Board MIAMI, FL - Today, in a unanimous vote, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed an ordinance establishing the first codified Miami-Dade LGBTQ Advisory Board in Florida’s largest county.

  ST PETERSBURG, FL – Selisse Berry, founder and architect of the nation’s largest LGBTQ business organization Out & Equal, is joining the Board of Directors for Equality Florida. For 23 years, Berry has worked to engage global business leaders on issues of LGBTQ workplace nondiscrimination and now brings that authority to the fight for full equality in the State of Florida.

There are BIG things happening in South Florida for our LGBTQ community and for your statewide LGBTQ rights organization! Equality Florida is thrilled to highlight two key local policy victories, announce the recognition of a champion LGBTQ legislator and share the good news about how our staff is growing. We hope you take pride in this EQFL update which your support has made possible. Miami-Dade County LGBTQ Advisory Board

  This week, the Tampa Bay Times reported the Pasco County School District adopted a one-page guidance for employees on creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students. Equality Florida responds to the news and reiterates the importance of LGBTQ Support Guides in schools.