Blog

Compelling post by EQFL guest blogger, Brian McNaught. What would you say????

*/

What an extraordinary night! The Equality Florida 2011 Miami Gala was our best yet with over 250 enthusiastic equality supporters in attendance.

NOTE: Our colleagues at the Human Rights Campaign just release some exciting poll results that show a majority of Americans oppose the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law that denies vital benefits to married same-sex couples and that has been ruled unconstitutional in recent court decisions.

By Sue Carlton, Times Columnist St. Petersburg TimesIn Print: Friday, March 11, 2011 Does an anti-gay rights activist belong on a citizens' committee created to promote "equality among all people"?

Governor Rick Scott is proposing drastic budget cuts to Florida ’s only independent, state civil rights entity – the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 2, 2011)

Tomorrow, Equality Florida’s Public Policy Director Mallory Wells will be speaking at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Hosted by OUTLaw and Levin College of Law, Mallory will discuss her work with the Florida legislature and update attendees on key LGBT issues in Florida. Join us for this event to get the latest and find out how you can get involved! When: Wednesday, March 2 at 12:00pmWhere: Levin College of Law, Room 359, at the corner of SW 2nd Ave., and SW 25th St, Gainesville

Since his inauguration, Gov. Rick Scott has tried to block or slow the implementation of Amendments 5 and 6, passed overwhelmingly by voters last November. He cited the need for some census data before proceeding. Well, today some of that data has come in. From The Miami Herald: Three days after Rick Scott was sworn in as governor he set about slowing down the process by which the federal government would approve of two highly popular state constitutional amendments, 5 and 6, concerning the way lawmakers draw legislative and congressional districts.

Equality Florida worked in the 2010 election cycle to elect champions for LGBTQ students to the Volusia County School Board and is proud to have been a part of bringing together a team of people to help structure a plan for moving forward with these changes in Volusia County.

NOTE: Thanks to the efforts of our colleagues at GLAAD and a small group of state and national LGBT organizations, the leadership at Facebook has agreed to include "Civil Union" and "Domestic Partnership" in its list of familial relationships. What may seem like a small thing has enormous potential to shift cultures in the directions of equality for all.

We have so much to celebrate. Florida's 33-year ban on gay and lesbian adoption is over. Your support made these victories possible. Check out this exciting video.

Rudy Molinet is a realtor and member of EQFL's Key West volunteer team. He writes a regular column, Rainbow Reflections, for the Key West Citizen. Last week as the military prepares to end Don't Ask Don't Tell, he toured the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman - named for the President who integrated the military over 60 years ago. By Rudy Molinet, Key West Citizen

This week, I was in Tallahassee meeting with business leaders and key legislators, talking with them about the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. Check out these video highlights from the Governor's Mansion and from the Senate Floor. Make sure you stay up to date with what's going on in Tallahassee by following me on Twitter: EQFLLobbyist From inside the Governor's Mansion: From on the Senate Floor:

Note: Join your fellow Equality Florida members this weekend as we enjoy this hilarious, award winning film that offers the public a glimpse into the lives of a gay couple in love and how their families come to support them - eventually!