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Last night, despite contentious public debate, the Leon County Commission took a second big step and voted 4-3 to move the LGBT inclusive Human Rights Ordinance to a Public Hearing May 11th. About 70 county residents turned out to speak in favor of this critical measure including Jeff G. Peters, a member of the Leon County Human Relations Advisory Committee.

The Leon County Commission voted 4-3 to move the LGBT inclusive Human Rights Ordinance to a Public Hearing May 11th. Thank you to Comm. Thael, Rackleff, Daley and Akinyemi!And thanks to the 70 or so Tallahassee residents who spoke in favor of equality tonight.

A powerful open letter from noted law Professor Tobias Wolfe on the connection between AZ draconian immigration law and LGBT equality. Friends and colleagues -- I have just finished reading through the text of the law that has been enacted in Arizona targeting undocumented immigrants. I have been studying the laws of the United States and working on civil rights issues for fifteen years, but I have never seen a more appalling and dehumanizing statute in present-day America than this measure.

Al Franken asked testifiers at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee how the nation’s public education system can address bullying targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. And the Minnesota senator announced he’ll be introducing a bill to address the issue of bullying that targets LGBT students. It’s the second time in recent weeks that Senator Franken has spoken out out on this issue.

The Miami Beach Commission has passed a resolution supporting the United American Families Act, which would permit gay life partners from other countries to petition for permanent residency in the United States. Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora asked City Manager Jorge Gonzalez to put the resolution on the April 14 commission agenda. The resolution passed unanimously, Gongora says.

Watch Equality Florida on Tampa Bay's Gay Talk show As I Am. The show airs live every Thursday at noon, and episodes are available for viewing 24/7. Guests this week include: Jack Crepeau of Equality Florida bringing viewers up to speed for our monthly EQFL State of the State segment. Jack will specifically focus on the progress Florida has made toward overturning the ban on adoption by gay and lesbian parents.

From the Washington Post:

In 2010, the most urgent issue for our community, the real political game changer is Fair Districts.

In addition to the great news from Gainesville, last night was the special election to replace retiring Congressman Robert Wexler. Former state senator, Ted Deutch, won handily with 62% of the vote. 

Narrow Margin Triggers Automatic Recount I would like to thank Equality Florida Action PAC

Support Equality Florida with an evening at the theater Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps

In a move that sets a new standard for Florida hospitals, Jackson Memorial Hospital has adopted a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that respects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families. Equality Florida applauds Jackson's new policies and we're working hard to ensure that hospitals across the state meet or exceed this new standard.

CNN Misses the Mark in Interview with So-Called “Ex-Gay” Activist Richard Cohenfrom GLAAD Please contact CNN Newsroom here and voice your concerns about the platform extended to the discredited Richard Cohen and CNN’s failure to consult credible scientific authorities before proceeding with this report.

AIDS Walk Orlando 2010 will take place on April 24th. Join Equality Florida's team of walkers in support of a great cause, the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida. Hope and Help's mission is to save lives by treating and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS in Central Florida.

From the St. Petersburg Times

Gill Family Among Florida Gay Parents Invited to White House Easter Egg Roll