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Staff ReportsFebruary 24, 2016

The Florida House passed a wide sweeping economic incentives package (HB 1325) on Wednesday. The proposal includes the framework for Gov. Rick Scott’s proposed $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund. Chris Hudson, state director for Americans for Prosperity-Florida, said in a statement: “I want to start by commending the members of the Florida House that stood […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 17, 2016

In the wake of last year’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, Republicans in the Florida Legislature this year are backing a “Pastor Protection Act.” The bill would prevent clergy members from being forced to perform marriage ceremonies contrary to their principles. On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee voted on a straight, 7-3 […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2016

A motion to reconsider a contentious bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people failed in a Senate panel Tuesday, signaling its virtual demise for the 2016 Legislative Session. On a voice vote, the Judiciary Committee deadlocked again on a procedural move to bring the bill (SB 120) back, one day after the bill died on […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 8, 2016

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A bill that would ban discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has one more chance of passage. The Senate judiciary committee on Monday temporarily postponed the measure (SB 120). The measure, which prohibits gender- and sexuality-based workforce discrimination, will be taken up again Tuesday. Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida, said in […]

Ryan RayFebruary 8, 2016

A bill to prohibit gender- and sexuality-based workplace discrimination died momentarily in a Senate panel, before being revived by legislative maneuvering. Monday afternoon’s meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee was likely the most controversial of the 2016, in both form and in substance. Senators took up SB 120, a bill supporters are calling the “Competitive Workforce Act,” […]

Brendan FarringtonFebruary 8, 2016

When it comes to LGBT issues, Florida’s Republican lawmakers are known more for trying to keep transgender people out of bathrooms, protect pastors from marrying same-sex couples and seek exemptions for private adoption agencies who don’t want to place children with gay and lesbian couples. But this year, some Republican lawmakers are backing a bill […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 27, 2016

State lawmakers on Wednesday OK’d two bills aimed at improving literacy rates. Among other things, the House measure (HB 7021) requires teachers who teach retained third graders to hold a reading certificate and calls on the Department of Education to review certification. Included in the Senate proposal (SB 1068) are provisions that call on districts […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 10, 2015

On Wednesday evening, former Jacksonville mayoral candidate and current Jax Chamber Chairwoman-elect Audrey Moran, at Intuition Ale Works in North Riverside, made the case for expansion of the Human Rights Ordinance. Moran, who has been unstinting in this case for years, spoke at a Jacksonville Coalition for Equality “Happy Hour” event, opening her remarks with […]

Melissa RossNovember 30, 2015

Back in 2012, he was one of a chorus of evangelical pastors in North Florida speaking out against updating Jacksonville’s human rights ordinance to cover LGBT citizens from discrimination in jobs, housing and public accommodations. But now, the Reverend R.L. Gundy has changed his mind. “There’s no conflict between your Biblical stance and the issue. […]

Mitch PerryNovember 30, 2015

Lisa Montelione said it was “excruciatingly hard” to decide to give up her Tampa City Council seat next year, but that’s what will happen now that she’s decided to run for the Florida Legislature in 2016. She’ll take on fellow Democrat Mike Reedy in the House District 63 primary next August, with the winner to […]

Tag: Equality Florida

Capitol Reax: Economic incentives, insurance, fracking, Israel and judicial term limits

Contentious “Pastor Protection Act” now moves to Senate floor

Dead again: Senators kill anti-LGBT discrimination bill

Capitol Reax: Changes to municipal elections, LGBT discrimination bans

Anti-LGBT discrimination bill on life support after contentious vote

Legislature considers anti-discrimination bill for LGBT rights

Capitol reax: Literacy initiatives, the Pastor Protection Act, Uber

Audrey Moran issues Jax HRO “call to action”

Jax pastor R.L. Gundy on HRO switch: “we cannot discriminate”

Lisa Montelione feels confident in HD 63 Democratic primary versus Mike Reedy