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

Transgender Discrimination Bill to be heard again early Tuesday

Opponents and proponents are in both in town to lobby legislators

(March A bill that would discriminate against transgender Floridians and force employers and business-owners to police the use of their restrooms will get a second committee hearing in the Florida House on Tuesday morning.

The Government Operations Subcommittee will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday in Webster Hall (212 Knott). H.B. 583 is the second item on the agenda.

Marriage pioneers Aaron Huntsman and William “Lee” Jones to be honored

Will receive award at Equality Florida’s Annual Key West Gala, March 28

(Photo by Kenne' Tucker)

House bill would remove unconstitutional adoption ban from Florida law

The Florida House of Representatives voted Wednesday to remove a statutory ban on lesbian and gay parents that was enacted in 1977 but declared unconstitutional by a state appeals court in 2010. Since then, state officials have declined to enforce the ban, but it has remained in Florida Statutes.

Florida voices join strong national chorus urging the U.S. Supreme Court to end marriage discrimination nationwide

​Lawmakers could criminalize use of public facilities by transgender Floridians
Businesses would face fines and lawsuits for refusing to discriminate