Statewide

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 The bill also removes an outdated and unconstitutional ban on gays and lesbians adopting children.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

Former Senate President Rallies Lawmakers,
Blocks Discriminatory Amendment

Vote follows fiery debate as Indiana-style measure moved forward in House

Florida Anti-LGBT Adoption Bill Enabling Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination Is Dangerously Close To Passing

The discriminatory bill puts anti-LGBT bias above best interest of children

Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called on lawmakers today to abandon an anti-LGBT bill that will enable discrimination -- with taxpayer dollars -- against prospective LGBT foster and adoptive parents, and place children seeking a permanent home at continued risk.

Shameful Indiana-Style Bill Passed by Florida House Committee

Would Delay Adoption For Many Vulnerable Children

April 2, 2015

Contact:
Carlos Guillermo Smith, Public Policy Specialist, [email protected]
Jim Harper, Media/Communications, [email protected]
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Stay tuned for more information... 

Florida House committee will consider
Indiana-style adoption bill Thursday

Meanwhile, lawmakers are blocking a bill
that would ban LGBT discrimination

April 1, 2015

Contact:
Carlos Guillermo Smith, Public Policy Specialist, [email protected]
Jim Harper, Media/Communications, [email protected]

Adoption agencies receiving taxpayer funds could discriminate as they wish

Bill is proposed soon after state House voted to increase payments to private agencies

(March 19, 2015) A bill that would allow private adoption agencies to take state money while continuing to discriminate against groups of prospective parents was approved by a Florida House committee Thursday.

Twelve Republicans voted for it; six Democrats opposed it.

Questions, opposition grow as transgender discrimination bill moves ahead

Criticism comes from both parties