Crist Urges Scott to Declare FL Will Not Challenge Marriage Ruling
Crist Urges Scott to Declare That Florida Will Not Challenge
Latest Federal Decision on Marriage for All
(August 29, 2014) St. Petersburg, Fla -- Charlie Crist sent a letter to Governor Rick Scott today urging him to declare that Florida will not challenge the latest federal ruling on marriage for all issued by U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle. Letter included below.
Statement from Stratton Pollitzer, Deputy Director of Equality Florida:
“Four years ago Charlie Crist stood up for our families and declared Florida’s ban on adoption by gay and lesbian parents over. He did what was best for thousands of children hoping for a loving home, and he did what was best for Florida.
“Rick Scott has a chance to do the right thing too, by directing the Surgeon General and the Secretary of Management Services not to appeal Judge Hinkle’s ruling that would overturn Florida’s ban on marriage equality. If there is no appeal, than the marriage ban would end on September 22, the four-year anniversary of the day the adoption ban ended.
“Up until now there has been a glaring contrast between the leadership Governor Crist showed by ending the adoption ban and the cowardice Governor Scott has shown on the issue of marriage equality.
“No one will benefit from costly new appeals to this discriminatory ban that causes terrible suffering for our families every day. We hope Governor Scott will abandon this hopeless crusade that only serves to block thousands of people from marrying the person they love.
We’re counting the days until September 22nd, when Florida’s marriage ban will be overturned, and we are hoping we can count on Rick Scott to stand up for our families the way Charlie Crist did four years ago.
If Governor Scott allows the court ruling to stand, then September 22nd will forever be a day of celebration for Florida’s families as the day both our notorious adoption ban and our discriminatory marriage ban ended forever.”
Letter from Crist to Scott:
Dear Governor Scott:
Four years ago, a district court of appeals ruled Florida’s ban on gay and lesbian adoption unconstitutional.
When the ruling came down, I believed it was my job as Governor to exercise the authority vested in me by the people and our Constitution. The day the judge ruled, I declared Florida’s adoption ban over. Gay and lesbian parents began adopting the children they loved immediately.
It is one of my proudest moments as an elected official.
Last Thursday Federal District Judge Robert Hinkle gave you the same chance to speak out for what is right when, in a ruling that would apply statewide, he struck down Florida’s ban on same sex marriage. By declaring the marriage ban finished you could discourage any future appeals and end the nightmare that loving same sex couples all across our state endure every single day, ending court battles that could drag on for months or years
Courts throughout Florida are endorsing the principle that government ought not deprive an entire class of citizens the right to marry simply because of whom they love. Florida deserves a governor who will stand up for all of the people of this state.
You have the power to end the suffering of people like Arlene Goldberg. Last March, Arlene lost her wife and partner of 47 years, Carol Goldwasser. At a moment of enormous and understandable grief, Arlene had to suffer the humiliation of not being listed as Carol’s wife on the death certificate. Even worse, she lost her home because she was denied the social security benefits they had earned.
When faced with a very similar decision four years ago I did what I believed was best for Florida and best for the thousands of children waiting to be adopted by loving parents.
Today, I urge you to do what’s best for Floridians and declare the state will not be challenging Judge Hinkle’s Order or any other orders supporting the rights of all Floridians to marry.
Respectfully,
Charlie Crist