As you well know, Florida is one of the four states that passed anti-LGBT measures last November; in Florida it was Amendment 2, a marriage amendment.
The bill introduced yesterday will ensure basic legal rights for committed, unmarried couples, gay or straight. The Family Equality Council is proud to have written this bill with our partners in Florida. We look forward to working with them throughout the legislative process moving forward.
Read Equality Florida’s full announcement of the bill after the jump:
Sen. Eleanor Sobel (Hallandale Beach) has introduced a statewide Domestic Partnership bill (SB 1642). Equality Florida has been working closely with Sen. Sobel in preparing this historic legislation. The companion bill will be sponsored in the house by Rep. Richard Steinberg (Miami Beach). As a Miami Beach City Commissioner, Rep. Steinberg played a key role in passing Florida’s strongest Domestic Partnership policy.
The introduction of these domestic partnership bills comes at a time when public support is at an all time high for this legislation. The latest polls show 77% of Floridians in favor of extending benefits to unmarried couples.
It also comes as a South Florida hospital is embroiled in a lawsuit for refusing to grant a woman access to her partner as she lay dying at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The case has provoked international outrage and highlights the vulnerability gay couples face when there is no legal framework to protect their families.
If passed, this bill would ensure committed, unmarried couples throughout Florida have access to basic legal rights like visiting each other in the hospital.
Many places in Florida already understand the importance of offering domestic partner protections. Miami Dade County enacted domestic partner benefits in the past year, as did the cities of Sarasota and Orlando.
Equality Florida is organizing a “Rally in Tally” for March 15. This event is crucial to advancing equality in the state. If you live in Florida, click here to find out more. Sign up and plan your attendance today!
Popularity: 39% [?]
Well I guess it’s better then a stick in the eye. Glad to know Florida’s amendment didn’t go overboard like Michigan’s. Cross out every choice for two people to share their lives.