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The GLBT Democratic Caucus of Florida held its 2009 Summer Conference in Key West, attracting approximately 100 political activists to discuss the future of politics in the state—and how the GLBT community can progress amidst the influence of conservative lawmakers in Tallahassee. “We have seen big change in Washington,” said Dan Gelber, Florida State Senator from Miami Beach, and candidate for Florida Attorney General. “But we have not had that change in Florida.”

During a visit to Jacksonville to promote adoption in Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist reiterated his opposition to gay adoption in the state. But when asked about it three hours earlier in Tallahassee, he sounded less opposed. As a part of his statewide tour for "Explore Adoption Day," Crist spoke to a crowded courtroom at the Duval County Courthouse about the increase in adoptions throughout the state.

Originally published July 22, 2009 Crist touts adoption numbers, defends gay-parent ban

Despite numerous ups and downs, the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act remains in tact and stands a reasonable chance of making it to President Barack Obama’s desk for a signature later this year.

Christian group's billboards denounce separation of church, state - St. Petersburg Times A Hillsborough public policy group whose Christian platform included a push for a state ban on gay marriage has embraced a new attack on an old target: the separation of church and state.

Senate Adds Death Penalty Amendment to Kill Hate Crimes Legislation July 20, 2009 - Posted by Tyler Lewis On Friday, the Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act as an amendment to the fiscal year 2010 Department of Defense authorization bill. But today, the Senate passed an amendment to the Act, offered by Sen. Jeff Sessions, R. Ala., that would allow the death penalty to be applied in hate crimes cases under some circumstances.

From the Miami Herald: 

By DAVID BOIES Attorney David Boies discusses the reasoning behind the federal lawsuit he and Ted Olson filed challenging Prop. 8: "[T]his is not a Republican or Democratic issue, not a liberal or conservative issue, but an issue of enforcing our Constitution's guarantee of equal protection and due process to all citizens." Monday 07.20.09 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124804515860263587.html

Senate votes to expand federal hate crimes

More than 100 protest News Channel ‘H8′ in gay-rights rally in Tampa (video)

Demonstrators protest anti-gay-rights program aired by WFLA-Ch. 8 By Ileana Morales, Times Staff WriterPosted: Jul 15, 2009 07:54 PM

Show Up TONIGHT at 5PM. - 200 S Parker

Leon County commissioners approve human relations advisory committee | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat Great work Jeff, Jim, Family Tree, Ron and the entire Equality Florida family in Leon County.