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Republican support for the freedom to marry continues to grow People from across the state join Equality Florida’s social media campaign

Senate leaders derail controversial adoption proposal Letting tax-funded agencies discriminate on religious grounds raised too many questions April 20, 2015 Florida Senate leaders decided Monday not to vote on a controversial proposal that would allow taxpayer-supported adoption agencies to use religious or personal beliefs to discriminate against prospective parents.

Adoption experts urge Florida Senate to reject discriminatory adoption bill Fewer children will be adopted if bias replaces the best interest of each child April 17, 2015 Contact: Jim Harper, Media/Communications, [email protected]

In a bipartisan vote, the Florida Senate on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill designed to help more foster children find permanent homes. The bill also removes an outdated and unconstitutional ban on gays and lesbians adopting children. Former Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Destin, spoke eloquently in urging his colleagues not to be swayed by objections that the measure might go against the religious principles of some private, taxpayer-supported adoption agencies.

Florida House votes for discrimination Adoption bill is unlikely to become law, but it still hurts Florida's reputation In an ugly symbolic move, the Florida House on Thursday approved an Indiana-style discrimination bill that gives taxpayer-funded adoption agencies a “license to discriminate” against gay and lesbian couples looking to adopt.

Former Senate President Rallies Lawmakers, Blocks Discriminatory Amendment Vote follows fiery debate as Indiana-style measure moved forward in House

Florida Anti-LGBT Adoption Bill Enabling Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination Is Dangerously Close To Passing The discriminatory bill puts anti-LGBT bias above best interest of children Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called on lawmakers today to abandon an anti-LGBT bill that will enable discrimination -- with taxpayer dollars -- against prospective LGBT foster and adoptive parents, and place children seeking a permanent home at continued risk.

Civic activist Jim VanRiper to be honored at annual Tallahassee Gala Equality Florida’s event will bring together leaders in politics, business and the community A need to protect his family brought Jim VanRiper into gay activism. He hasn’t stopped since. Since moving to Tallahassee in 2003, VanRiper has been a leader in almost every aspect of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Shameful Indiana-Style Bill Passed by Florida House Committee Would Delay Adoption For Many Vulnerable Children April 2, 2015 Contact: Carlos Guillermo Smith, Public Policy Specialist, [email protected] Jim Harper, Media/Communications, [email protected] ​

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Florida House committee will consider Indiana-style adoption bill Thursday Meanwhile, lawmakers are blocking a bill that would ban LGBT discrimination April 1, 2015 Contact: Carlos Guillermo Smith, Public Policy Specialist, [email protected] Jim Harper, Media/Communications, [email protected]

81% of Floridians are just fine with same-sex marriage New poll comes two months after nuptials began statewide March 26, 2015 Contact: Jim Harper, Media/Communications, 727-388-3636, [email protected] A new poll shows that a vast majority of Floridians are content that same-sex couples can now marry in their state.

Adoption agencies receiving taxpayer funds could discriminate as they wish Bill is proposed soon after state House voted to increase payments to private agencies (March 19, 2015) A bill that would allow private adoption agencies to take state money while continuing to discriminate against groups of prospective parents was approved by a Florida House committee Thursday. Twelve Republicans voted for it; six Democrats opposed it.

Questions, opposition grow as transgender discrimination bill moves ahead Criticism comes from both parties

Transgender Discrimination Bill to be heard again early Tuesday Opponents and proponents are in both in town to lobby legislators (March A bill that would discriminate against transgender Floridians and force employers and business-owners to police the use of their restrooms will get a second committee hearing in the Florida House on Tuesday morning. The Government Operations Subcommittee will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday in Webster Hall (212 Knott). H.B. 583 is the second item on the agenda.

Marriage pioneers Aaron Huntsman and William “Lee” Jones to be honored Will receive award at Equality Florida’s Annual Key West Gala, March 28 (Photo by Kenne' Tucker)

House bill would remove unconstitutional adoption ban from Florida law The Florida House of Representatives voted Wednesday to remove a statutory ban on lesbian and gay parents that was enacted in 1977 but declared unconstitutional by a state appeals court in 2010. Since then, state officials have declined to enforce the ban, but it has remained in Florida Statutes.