Republican support for the freedom to marry continues to grow

People from across the state join Equality Florida’s social media campaign

Senate leaders derail controversial adoption proposal

Letting tax-funded agencies discriminate on religious grounds raised too many questions

April 20, 2015

Florida Senate leaders decided Monday not to vote on a controversial proposal that would allow taxpayer-supported adoption agencies to use religious or personal beliefs to discriminate against prospective parents.

Adoption experts urge Florida Senate to
reject discriminatory adoption bill

Fewer children will be adopted if bias replaces
the best interest of each child

April 17, 2015

Contact:
Jim Harper, Media/Communications, [email protected]

In a bipartisan vote, the Florida Senate on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill designed to help more foster children find permanent homes. The bill also removes an outdated and unconstitutional ban on gays and lesbians adopting children.

Former Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Destin, spoke eloquently in urging his colleagues not to be swayed by objections that the measure might go against the religious principles of some private, taxpayer-supported adoption agencies.

Florida House votes for discrimination

Adoption bill is unlikely to become law, but it still hurts Florida's reputation

In an ugly symbolic move, the Florida House on Thursday approved an Indiana-style discrimination bill that gives taxpayer-funded adoption agencies a “license to discriminate” against gay and lesbian couples looking to adopt.

Former Senate President Rallies Lawmakers,
Blocks Discriminatory Amendment

Vote follows fiery debate as Indiana-style measure moved forward in House

Florida Anti-LGBT Adoption Bill Enabling Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination Is Dangerously Close To Passing

The discriminatory bill puts anti-LGBT bias above best interest of children

Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called on lawmakers today to abandon an anti-LGBT bill that will enable discrimination -- with taxpayer dollars -- against prospective LGBT foster and adoptive parents, and place children seeking a permanent home at continued risk.

Civic activist Jim VanRiper to be honored at
annual Tallahassee Gala

Equality Florida’s event will bring together leaders
in politics, business and the community

A need to protect his family brought Jim VanRiper into gay activism. He hasn’t stopped since.

Since moving to Tallahassee in 2003, VanRiper has been a leader in almost every aspect of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.