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At this very moment, dozens of citizen lobbyists from across Florida are working the halls of the capitol and telling their stories as part of Equality Florida's 2013 Annual Lobby Days. By sending a message to your state Representative and Senator right now or signing a petition, you'll double the impact our team can have on those who make the laws that affect our lives.

Public Policy Update, Issue 4 The Families First Bill Is Back

NEWS RELEASE: 2/11/2013

Weekly Newsletter: Public Policy Update, Issue 3

Weekly Newsletter: Public Policy Update, Issue 2 Invitation to Equality Florida's 2013 Annual Lobby Days! 

On Monday, I wrote how much I like the America I'm living in right now. Diverse. Culturally rich. Increasingly humane.   I still feel that way. But in Hillsborough County, Florida, where I was born and have come back to live? Not so much.  

Weekly Newsletter: Public Policy Update, Issue 1 Welcome to the first issue of Equality Florida’s Public Policy Weekly Newsletter! 

Pinellas County Passes Domestic Partnership Registry!!   By a 6-1 vote, the Pinellas County Commission voted to create a countywide domestic partnership registry (DPR) becoming the latest in a string of communities that now provide valuable legal protections for gay couples and unmarried straight partners.

Tell Pinellas County to Pass a Domestic Partnership Registry! Tuesday at 9:30am the Pinellas County Commission will vote on whether or not to move forward with a countywide Domestic Partnership Registry that would provide essential legal protections for unmarried couples.

This year has been a game changer. Plain and Simple.

Orlando Tops List of Pro-Equality Cities in Florida. New National Report Ranks LGBT Legal Protections. WASHINGTON-- Orlando, Miami and Tampa are ranked as the top three cities for protecting the rights of gay and transgender Floridians while Jacksonville comes in a distant last, according to a new national report card issued this week. 

By now we all know that every one of our votes is going to matter next Tuesday.  But do you have the information to make sure you get to vote?  Regular Equality Florida volunteer, Terry Lowman provided the ACLU website, Know Your Rights as a great guide for information on polling places, required ID, your voter registration status, early voting etc.

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.