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Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2016

The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature has passed a bill that would legally shield clergy members who refuse to perform gay marriages. The House bill (HB 43) was OK’d Thursday by the Senate on a 23-15 vote, despite Democrats saying the measure isn’t needed because clergy already are protected by the First Amendment. It next needs to be signed […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 2, 2016

The Florida House voted 82-37 to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. The passage came after more than an hour of passionate debate. Opponents questioned why the bill (HB 43) was needed, with some calling it an insult to the state’s gay community. “This bill is […]

Jim RosicaMarch 1, 2016

The Florida House of Representatives on Tuesday began its consideration of legislation to ensure clergy members, ministers and other “religious organization” employees could legally refuse to perform gay marriages. The bill (HB 43), which has been called the “Pastor Protection Act,” is being billed as a “conscience protection” measure by its sponsor, state Rep. Scott Plakon. The […]

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 4, 2016

Clergy members, ministers and other “religious organization” employees could legally refuse to perform gay marriages under legislation that will be considered by the full House of Representatives. The measure, which some call a “Pastor Protection Act” (HB 43), was OK’d 12-5 by the Judiciary Committee on Thursday, its final review panel. The bill, sponsored by Republican […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2016

One of the hottest issues facing lawmakers in the 2016 Legislative Session is the regulation of the daily fantasy sports industry. Moving toward that goal is HB 707: Fantasy Contests, sponsored by state Rep. Matt Gaetz, has recently move out the Business & Professions Subcommittee, its first stop in the Florida House. What the bill seeks to […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 15, 2016

One of the Legislature’s most stalwart opponents to gambling and its expansion in the Sunshine State nonetheless voted for a House bill that would explicitly legalize fantasy sports play in Florida. State Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican, sits on the House Business and Professions Subcommittee that OK’d the bill (HB 707) by a 10-3 vote earlier […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 11, 2016

A Democrat who led protests during the black bear hunting season last year has filed to run for Senate District 11 seat according to Florida Division of Elections records. Real estate investor and former League of Women Voters Vice President Chuck O’Neal filed to run for the seat Jan. 8, just two months after announcing […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 8, 2016

The Florida Council for Safe Communities said Thursday it will back legislation to increase penalties for suspected drunken drivers who decline sobriety tests. “Our mission is to make Florida the safest state in the country, especially for our most vulnerable citizens,” council Chairman John Giotis said. “That’s why we enthusiastically support House Bill 555, Rep. Scott Plakon’s tough drunk […]

Ryan RayJanuary 4, 2016

Former Rep. Mike Clelland confirmed speculation he will indeed run for the open state Senate seat vacated by term-limited President Andy Gardiner this year. The former Democratic lawmaker issued a statement Monday corroborating reports — first reported by Florida Politics — he will pursue a return to the statehouse. “Throughout my nearly three decades as a firefighter, I saw firsthand […]

Tag: Scott Plakon

Legislature passes “Pastor Protection Act” as gay marriage shield

Florida House votes 82-37 to approve “Pastor Protection” Act

House takes up Pastor Protection Act

Contentious “Pastor Protection Act” now moves to Senate floor

“Pastor protection act” continues moving in Legislature

5 questions for Fantasy Sports Trade Association after DFS bill first committee stop

Scott Plakon: Fantasy sports play legal “under current law”

Bear-hunt activist Chuck O’Neal files as Democrat for SD 11

Florida Council for Safe Communities backs stronger DUI penalties, opposes relaxed cannabis and alcohol bills

Mike Clelland confirms he’s running for SD 13 seat