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It was a picture perfect evening at the beautiful and bedazzled Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center as over 200 friends, old and new, turned out in tuxedos, feather boas, rainbow bowties and sequined gowns to the Inaugural Black and White Ball of Lee County to celebrate our champions, progress, diversity and equality and to raise funds for and awareness of Equality Florida’s important work.

BREAKING: A Broward County Judge has granted a divorce between Heather Brassner and Megan Lade, who were united in a 2002 Civil Union in Vermont, making them the second same-sex couple to be recognized as legally married by the State of Florida. Stay tuned for more info.

Florida files U.S. Supreme Court application to stay injunction in federal marriage cases due to take effect in early January. Read the application here: http://bit.ly/1IV56Eg

Video: Retired police officers, Donna Brown, Kathy McDaris and Mike Strickland, urge fellow first responders to sign on to support the freedom to marry.

(December 8, 2014) Today, Broward County Judge Cohen ruled in favor of the freedom to marry!  Click here to read Judge Cohen's order.  Stay tuned for more information...       

Equality Florida to Honor Cape Coral Mayor and Four Council Members With Ally for Equality Award; Arlene Goldberg to Receive Voice for Equality Award Inaugural Black & White Ball of Lee County: Saturday, December 13

Below is a spotlight on the Florida Competitive Workforce Act from State Representative Holly Raschein's (R) in her latest newsletter. We're excited to stand behind Rep. Raschein in supporting nondiscrimination in the Sunshine State! Rep. Raschein's newsletter:

Today the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has denied the state’s motion for stay of a District Court ruling that overturned the state’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples. The stay is scheduled to expire at the end of the day on January 5th, enabling same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses at that time.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ADDS GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION TO HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE BECOMES 28TH FLORIDA MUNICIPALITY TO PROVIDE EQUAL PROTECTIONS

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans are less likely to have access to the same quality coverage as their straight counterparts. The new health care law addresses some of these disparities and introduces reforms to prevent unfair discrimination by health insurers, but there is still much work to be done!

Meet the Interns: Steven Rodriguez Jr. (Jacksonville Office) 1. Tell us a little about yourself...

Earlier today, Representative Holly Raschein (R- Key Largo) and Democratic Whip Senator Joseph Abruzzo (D- Boynton Beach) filed legislation in the Florida House and Senate respectively that would prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) in employment, housing and public accommodations.

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners has taken a public stance in favor of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, by voting to sign on to an Amicus Brief that was drafted and filed by a growing list of local governments in all marriage equality lawsuits in Florida.

A recent article by Cassondra Fredriksen at Stetson University College of Law found that Florida's discriminatory marriage ban denies 508 state-protections to loving same-sex couples. The harm inflicted on couples and families as a result of this ban are felt every day. Article:

Judge Hinkle has denied requests to both immediately lift and extend the stay on his marriage ruling. According to his order, the stay will expire on the original date of January 5th and will only be extended if by action of the 11th Circuit. He will not lift the stay earlier.