Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Melissa RossMarch 7, 2016

Activists fighting the decades-long struggle for LGBT equality in America have long been skilled at the long game. From the 1969 Stonewall riots to the 2015 nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage, this is a patient movement, one that has nudged the culture inexorably over a half-century toward greater acceptance and inclusion. To that end, the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality […]

Associated PressFebruary 13, 2016

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia kept your attention, whether you liked him or not. He was a big personality who rather enjoyed the spotlight, and he did not often shy from controversy. Scalia deeply influenced a generation of conservative legal thinkers and was a lightning rod for criticism from the left almost from the moment […]

Scott PowersJanuary 6, 2016

The Shaks’ first-year wedding anniversary today started they way most do, with flowers and anniversary cards, and the couple is planning to end it tonight with a romantic evening. Until recently, few saw that as possible, at least not this soon — for them or thousands of other couples who got married in Florida last […]

Associated PressOctober 21, 2015

Orange County’s government is ending domestic-partner benefits for unmarried same sex couples now that gay marriage is legal. County commissioners on Tuesday repealed the domestic partner benefits program for Orange County employees who are in unmarried gay relationships. The repeal takes effect at the start of next year. Eleven county employees use the program, and […]

Bob SparksSeptember 11, 2015

Most anyone remotely paying attention to current affairs recognizes the name of Kim Davis. Some would relish picking her out of a police lineup. For those avoiding news consumption, Davis is the county clerk of Rowan County, Ky. Davis, a Democrat, was elected in 2014, defeating Republican John Cox with 53 percent of the vote. […]

Bob SparksSeptember 10, 2015

Most anyone remotely paying attention to current affairs recognizes the name of Kim Davis. Some would relish picking her out of a police lineup. For those avoiding news consumption, Davis is the county clerk of Rowan County, Ky. Davis, a Democrat, was elected in 2014, defeating Republican John Cox with 53 percent of the vote. […]

Melissa RossSeptember 1, 2015

Ousted Atlantic Beach Commissioner Maria Mark had a run-in with the police Monday night. As The Florida Times-Union reported, police say Mark tried to confront a resident who supported Mark’s opponent, new Commissioner-elect John Stinson. Mark told the T-U the last straw was a “hateful sign” in the homeowner’s yard that “stated Mark should have […]

Melissa RossAugust 31, 2015

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The Florida attorney representing a Kentucky court clerk in a standoff over same-sex marriage says it’s a matter of religious liberty. “It’s getting to the question of, if you hold an elected office, how far do your constitutional rights go?” attorney Roger Gannam of the Orlando-based firm Liberty Counsel told FloridaPolitics.com. Kentucky’s Attorney General may […]

Melissa RossAugust 21, 2015

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Florida attorney Roger Gannam, who spoke out against adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the Atlantic Beach human rights ordinance in 2014, is now involved with the defense of a Kentucky county clerk who has religious objections to marrying same-sex couples. On Monday, U.S. District Judge David Bunning ordered Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis to issue […]

Melissa RossJune 29, 2015

With reaction continuing to pour in after the Friday Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, Jacksonville LGBT activists say they’re ready to take another crack at updating the city’s human rights ordinance. “We’re trying again,” says Jacksonville attorney and activist Jimmy Midyette, who chairs the Northeast Florida LGBT Leadership PAC, and thinks the climate is now a […]

Tag: same sex marriage

Jax Coalition for Equality keeps up the HRO pressure

Justice Antonin Scalia kept your attention, whether you liked him or not

For thousands of gay couples in Florida, marriage became legal one year ago

Orange County repeals benefits for unmarried gay couples

Bob Sparks: Some Republicans backing the wrong horse in Kim Davis

Bob Sparks: Some Republicans backing the wrong horse in Kim Davis

LGBT equality movement stirs cross-currents in Florida

Orlando-based Liberty Counsel takes same-sex marriage fight to U.S. Supreme Court

Florida’s Liberty Counsel reps Kentucky clerk in same-sex marriage standoff

With same-sex marriage now legal coast to coast, Jax activists eye city’s HRO once again