Marriage

Faith leaders contradict claims of religious discrimination

They say a so-called pastor protection bill is both unnecessary and divisive

On August 13, 2015, Debbie and Kari Chin - along with two other married same-sex couples and Equality Florida Institute - filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida's refusal to list both same-sex spouses on their children's birth certificates.

Watch their video and read their interview to learn more about this brave couple who are heading to court to fight for Florida's LGBT families.

Equality Florida Asks Court to Tell Florida Officials to
Follow the Law On Birth Certificates for Married Same-Sex Parents

August 14, 2015

(St. Petersburg) -- Florida officials responded to Equality Florida’s birth certificate lawsuit late Thursday by asking a federal judge to clarify the law. Equality Florida responded Friday by saying the law is already clear and urged District Judge Robert L. Hinkle to tell the state to start following it.

Today, August 5, Equality Florida delivered 1,266 signatures in support of the proposed inclusive update to Florida's marriage certificates by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Below is the letter that was sent to the bureau, which included an attachment of all the members who signed in support. 

Dear Ana Goold and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics,

Moments ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the freedom to marry nationwide by a 5-4 majority!

New television ad demonstrates the
growing support for marriage equality

Equality Florida and Freedom to Marry produced it
to air ahead of Supreme Court ruling

June 3, 2015

​PANAMA CITY, Fla. – With the Supreme Court expected to rule on marriage by the end of this month, Equality Florida and Freedom to Marry today released a second television ad demonstrating the broad base of support for marriage equality.

Supporters of Freedom to Marry Launch Ad
Showing Strong Support in Florida

Equality Florida and Freedom to Marry join to produce the ad,
which will begin airing this week

Todd and Jeffrey Delmay, a pioneering Florida gay couple,
go to Washington

They crossed the threshold;
let couples nationwide do the same, they say

Sumter County Clerk Honored to Perform Weddings