Dangerous Preemption Measure Advances in Florida House
HB 3 Could Jeopardize LGBTQ and Other Local Protections
Tallahassee, FL — Yesterday, Equality Florida joined the chorus of opposition to House Bill 3 (HB 3), a sweeping preemption measure moving through the Florida House of Representatives that could jeopardize all existing local LGBTQ protections and impede the adoption of new protections. House Bill 3 could restrict local governments from passing or enforcing vital policies and protections on a broad number of issues. The bill has already advanced out of its first of three committees.
“HB 3 could threaten dozens of local human rights ordinances that currently protect 60% of Floridians from discrimination, ordinances that protect LGBTQ minors from so-called “conversion therapy,” equal benefits ordinances, and more,” said Jon Harris Maurer, Equality Florida’s Public Policy Director. “This legislation would move Florida in the wrong direction and could open the door for statewide discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.”
The sweeping implications of HB 3 mirror similar effects of North Carolina’s notorious HB 2 — a preemption law that repealed local LBGTQ protections. HB 2 cost the state an estimated $600 million in lost revenue from businesses boycotting the state, cancelled conventions, and national sports events relocating to more LGBTQ-friendly municipalities.