Our 2015 Florida Legislative Scorecard

Equality Florida celebrates the defeat of two bills
and the passage of another

As this year’s regular legislative session draws to a close, Equality Florida is thankful that two anti-LGBT measures did not pass; and that one very good bill for all Floridians is on its way to the governor.

With telephone calls, emails and personal testimony, Equality Florida members and supporters worked hard to defeat two discriminatory bills.

Supporters of Freedom to Marry Launch Ad
Showing Strong Support in Florida

Equality Florida and Freedom to Marry join to produce the ad,
which will begin airing this week

Todd and Jeffrey Delmay, a pioneering Florida gay couple,
go to Washington

They crossed the threshold;
let couples nationwide do the same, they say

Sumter County Clerk Honored to Perform Weddings

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 The bill also removes an outdated and unconstitutional ban on gays and lesbians adopting children.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.