Florida Passes Sweeping, Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Florida Passes Sweeping, Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Advocates say the fight is far from over, vowing to challenge the law in courts and continue working with local leaders to protect LGBTQ visibility and inclusion.

Tallahassee, FL — Today, the Florida House passed the sweeping and dangerously vague “Anti-Diversity in Local Government” bill (HB 1001 / SB 1134) by a vote of 77-37, sending another bill rooted in anti-LGBTQ animus to Governor Ron DeSantis’s desk. Five Republicans joined House Democrats in opposing the legislation, including Representatives Hillary Cassel (R-Hollywood), Will Robinson (R-Bradenton), Chip LaMarca (R-Lighthouse Point), Jim Mooney (R-Key Largo), and Paula Stark (R-St. Cloud). 

The legislation is designed to intimidate cities and counties that celebrate and support the diverse communities they serve. Written in broad and ambiguous language, the bill is the most extreme of its kind in the country, creating confusion and fear for local governments that recognize LGBTQ residents and other communities that contribute to the strength and vibrancy of Florida’s cities.

The bill advanced after a highly contentious legislative process that exposed its broad application and sweeping penalties for a perceived violation. Local elected leaders from across Florida - including mayors, commissioners, and county officials - stood alongside thousands of residents to oppose the legislation and warn lawmakers about the harm it would cause to their communities.

Debate over the bill made expressly clear that LGBTQ people were a central target of the legislation. The public record, the bill sponsors’ own statements, and hours of legislative debate revealed the animus driving the effort to pressure local governments into pulling back from recognizing or resourcing programs targeting LGBTQ residents and other historically marginalized communities.

Despite the sponsors’ stated intent to dismantle diversity programs — with House sponsor Representative Dean Black declaring that “Florida is where DEI goes to D-I-E” — sustained public pressure over two years opposing the bill forced lawmakers to concede dozens of carve-outs to avert repeal, defunding, and harm to numerous local policies, programs, and events. For the LGBTQ community, this included amendments to protect and preserve the Pulse Memorial in Orlando and amendments ensuring local governments can continue to permit Pride festivals, even while navigating new restrictions on supporting or promoting them.

Equality Florida’s Executive Director, Stratton Pollitzer, provided the following response:

“This bill is dangerous, vague by design, and part of a broader political agenda of censorship and government overreach. Once again, Florida lawmakers have manufactured a sweeping anti-LGBTQ law — legislation intended to bully local governments and ​have a chilling effect on how they celebrate and support the diverse communities they serve.

 Florida’s LGBTQ community knows all too well how to fight back against unjust laws. Just as we did following the passage of Florida’s notorious ‘Don’t Say Gay or Trans’ law, ​we will fight every step of the way to limit the impact of this legislation, including in the courts.

Mayors and local elected officials from every corner of the state stood shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of Floridians who showed up to oppose this legislation. We will continue to partner with local leaders who are committed to celebrating their LGBTQ residents and all of the diverse communities that make Florida strong.

The LGBTQ community is resilient. We stand alongside other impacted communities, firm in our resolve that no law can erase our presence or silence the millions of Floridians who believe in dignity, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Pride celebrations will continue. Communities will continue to gather. And LGBTQ people will remain visible in every part of Florida.”

House Speaker Daniel Perez has stated clearly that this bill does not ban Pride festivals or parades in Florida, while acknowledging new restrictions on supporting or promoting them.*

Implementation of the bill is marked for January 2027. As the bill heads to the Governor, it will now be up to cities and counties to determine how to navigate its sweeping scope and vagueness.

Equality Florida will continue working with local leaders, community organizations, and legal partners to monitor how the law is implemented and to challenge any attempts to use it to silence or erase LGBTQ communities.

*The statement by Speaker Perez starts around the 5:45 timestamp.