Statewide
Florida Republican and Democratic Legislators Renew Attempt to Protect Against Gay Bias
Almost exactly a year ago–on Nov. 7, 2013–the U.S. Senate voted 64-32 to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The proposed law would have banned workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people (LGBT). Florida’s Bill Nelson, a Democrat, voted for it. Marco Rubio, a Republican, voted against. Nevertheless, 10 Republican senators joined 52 Democrats and two independents to vote approval. It was a rare show of bi-partisan support.
Bill that would end discrimination against LGBT community in Florida introduced
Written by: Mitch Perry
Last month, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted to include the LGBT community with other protected classes in connection with employment, public accommodations, real estate transactions and county contracting and procurement. The move was hailed by activists who have considered the county to be somewhat in the dark ages when it came to LGBT rights.
Meet the Interns: Steven Rodriguez Jr.
Meet the Interns: Steven Rodriguez Jr.
(Jacksonville Office)
1. Tell us a little about yourself...
Bondi files more appeals over same-sex marriage
Written by: Gwen Filosa
State Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed more appeals in both a federal and state case demanding the right for same-sex couples to marry, reiterating that Florida has every right to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
Jazz Jennings To Be Honored
Written by: Charlotte Robinson
Equality Florida will be hosting their 12th Annual Equality Florida Broward Gala at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Panorama Ballroom in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday November 16th. The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Voice for Equality award to South Florida resident Jazz Jennings, who was recently announced as one of the “25 Most Influential Teens of 2014” by Time magazine.
LGBT Floridians hope for progress despite election losses
Written by: Margie Menzel
The 2014 election wasn't a good one for Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
LGBT organizations supported Democrats Charlie Crist for governor and George Sheldon for attorney general, but both lost. So did state Rep. Joe Saunders, D-Orlando, one of the first two openly gay members of the Legislature, elected in 2012.