Tonight by a vote of 17 to 2, the Jacksonville City Council voted to reject bill 2012-296 - a fully-inclusive measure that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s Human Rights Ordinance (HRO).
Tonight voters elected our first out gay state legislator in Florida's history! David Richardson was elected to the Florida House in District 113, representing Miami Beach. No Republicans entered the race so David's victory in the Democratic primary and edged out three opponents to claim the seat.
Orange County voters delivered a victory for Joe Saunders in the House District 49 race. Joe is one giant step closer to becoming the first out gay person ever elected to state office. We're still anxiously awaiting results for David Richardson...stay tuned.
Check out Joe's entrance to his victory party
One hour before the polls close, Team Joe has left no door unknocked and no phone unrung. Joe sends a personal shout out to the EQFL volunteers, donors, and supporters who have been with him the whole way.
After provoking a national backlash with her comments about black lesbians, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll has refused to apologize. Her silence has prompted a national petition drive launched today to keep the pressure on.
Please take a moment to watch this special public policy update.
This year we face unprecedented opportunities - and unprecedented challenges.
The Orange County Commission has voted to create a countywide domestic partnership registry that will provide vital legal protections for gay couples and unmarried straight partners. Amidst a sea of red shirts, worn by the crowd in support of the ordinance, the measure passed by a 6-1 vote.
"We are doing something groundbreaking and providing important rights across the board", said Mayor Teresa Jacobs before voting for the registry.
