TALLAHASSEE — Today Florida Legislators advanced a bill which would have dangerous effects on local LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in employment across the state. Despite strong opposition from Equality Florida and advocates, the Florida House Subcommittee on Local, Federal, and Veterans Affairs voted 10-5 on a party line to move State Representative Bob Rommel’s HB 305 to its final committee. As filed, the bill would roll back local LGBTQ protections that currently cover nearly 60% of the state’s population.

Executive Summary

“Astonishing. That is the first word that comes to mind as I reflect on the enormous work showcased in this 2019 recap.

UPDATE as of 1/16/2020: Equality Florida has eliminated House Bill 3’s risk to local protections against conversion therapy. We hit the ground running in the Capitol this week for a series of rapid response meetings and worked with the sponsor of HB 3 — one of the “Slate of 8” bills — to secure this amendment! The quick action was even more critical because HB 3 is being fast-tracked through the House. We’re not out of the woods yet. Next, we’re working to fix the Senate bill.