The Hate Agenda

From the Blogs

2010-03-28T17:46:00.001-07:00

An Old Person's Guide to "No Homo"

2010-03-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

Conniving and Sinister

2010-03-27T13:51:00.002-07:00

(From Shakesville)

Mallory Wells - Florida Competitive Workforce Act Senate Workshop

2010-03-27T13:51:00.001-07:00

Rachel On The Extremist Fringe Of The GOP

2010-03-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

(Via Smooth Like Remy)

Conniving and Sinister

2010-03-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Rep. Mary Brandenburg Proposes Repeal of Adoption Ban

2010-03-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

More than 2,000 children in Florida are awaiting adoption, and half of them have no family members able to provide them care. House Bill 3 by Representative Mary Brandenburg (D-Lake Worth) would give more foster children an opportunity for a family and a home by repealing the ban on adoptions by same-sex couples and individuals.

“Some children in Florida have been in foster care for years,” said Representative Brandenburg. “This is unacceptable. Every child in Florida deserves a loving, permanent home. That is why I filed a bill that repeals the state law that prohibits gay and lesbian people from adopting.”

It is well understood, and confirmed by pediatricians and child psychologists, that children thrive as part of a family. Happy, successful children can be raised by all kinds of families, including those headed by single parents, grandparents, and same-sex couples. In contrast, children stuck in foster homes are more likely to drop out of school, become teen-age parents, and face trouble with the law.

The ban on adoption by gays and lesbians costs the State of Florida approximately $2.5 million per year, according to the Williams Institute.

“When the Florida Legislature is struggling to meet the medical and education needs of our children, this ban makes no sense,” said Representative Brandenburg. “When the Florida Department of Children and Families allows gay and lesbian people to serve as foster parents, it becomes impossible to understand the ban.”

Florida is the only state with a statutory ban against same-sex individuals or couples adopting. Representative Brandenburg’s House Bill 3 would give many more foster children the opportunity for a family and a home. Senator Nan Rich (D-Sunrise) has filed identical legislation in the Florida Senate.

“This bill is about children’s rights,” added Representative Brandenburg. “It is about their right to become part of a family.”

Join Us for Lobby Week March 15-17

2010-01-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

From Equality Florida:

Join Us for 2010 Lobby Week in Tallahassee
March 15-17, 2010. Register Today!

Dear Kenneth,

In just a few short weeks, the Florida State Legislature will be called to session. Your state elected officials will be making big decisions that will have a lasting impact on your life.

Lend your voice to support for three key bills that would:
Repeal Florida's Adoption ban
Pass workplace anti-discrimination protections
Secure statewide Domestic Partnership protections
I'm writing to personally invite you to join me in Tallahassee for Equality Florida Lobby Week 2010 March 15th-17th. Click here to register now!

Our staff and volunteer leadership teams work daily with elected officials, their staffers and our coalition allies to move these bills forward. But your participation in Lobby Week 2010 in Tallahassee, March 15-17 will make a bigger difference than anything else we can do all year.

Lobby Week 2010 is your chance to talk directly to Representatives, Senators and their staff members about why these bills are so urgently needed for LGBT Floridians and our families. Telling your story in person is the most persuasive way to gain support for equality and there is no better way to do that than face-to-face.

During Lobby Week 2010, Equality Florida will work with you to set up appointments and have professional trainers and materials available to help you hold effective, successful meetings with your Representative or Senator.

If you, a friend or a family member have experienced discrimination on the job, in trying to rent or purchase a home, or because of the anti-lgbt adoption ban, join us in Tallahassee March 15-17 and share your story with your legislators.

See you in Tallahassee,

Mallory Wells
Public Policy Director

Link

The Promise of 2010

2010-01-18T23:27:00.000-08:00

From Equality Florida:

Just last month, we asked you to help us start off 2010 in the strongest financial position possible and set an ambitious goal of $10,000.

Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our target and raised $11,200.

We want to say "Thank You" for your overwhelming response and also let you know how we have already begun putting your donations to work for equality in Florida.

In 2010, every statewide seat will change hands making this an historic election year.

Because of your support we're ready with a team on the ground in Tallahassee to fight for full equality and our army of volunteers statewide is ready to work hard for pro-equality candidates!

Exciting Opportunities for 2010

Florida Competitive Workforce Act – This bill would add “sexual orientation and gender identity” to Florida’s existing anti-discrimination laws. In order for Florida to be its most competitive in attracting new business and talented individuals, we must ensure that employees are judged on merit, not prejudged by bigotry. The majority of the top companies in the country have adopted these protections. Cities and counties across our state include this language. It is time for equality to be the law. Ending discrimination is the right thing to do and the economically smart thing to do in our state.

On March 15 Floridians from all across the state will come to Tallahassee to ask their legislators to support this important legislation. Click here to join us.

Making Fair Adoption a Reality in Florida – Last year, two groundbreaking court decisions weakened Florida’s discriminatory ban on adoption by gay people. These victories did not go unnoticed by radical right extremists who believe that the definition of “family” should never include gay parents. We must prepare now to protect a successful outcome in the courts or continue our efforts to pursue a legislative repeal of the ban. We have spent more than a decade educating Florida voters on the harm inflicted by this hateful ban and polling shows our efforts are working. We must also work to ensure that the far right cannot use another Florida ballot measure to add this hateful ban to our constitution.

A New Political Landscape in Our Capitol – Over the next 12 months Florida will vote to replace our Governor, our Chief Financial Officier, our Attorney General, and every member of the Florida Senate and the Florida House. Equality Florida will lead the way, as we’ve done for over a decade, in surveying every candidate and informing you where they stand on issues important to you.

As always, Equality Florida keeps a full-time lobbyist in Tallahassee throughout the legislative session and our comprehensive Voter Guide tells you where all of the candidates stand on LGBT issues so you can make informed choices.

We are winning in Florida, year by year, because of the strong commitment of our members as donors and volunteers and pro-equality ambassadors across the state. Because members like you consistently respond when we call on you to do phoning, lobbying, rallying, donating, tabling, blogging and speaking up for equality in your schools, families, workplaces and with elected officials.

Like our past successes, our future victories will not come easily. They will result from our commitment to building and carrying out long-term plans and making significant investments in grassroots organizing.

Thank you for your continued support for equality in Florida. Here's to more victories ahead!

With sincere appreciation,

Nadine Smith

PS – We have a limited number of internships for the Spring 2010 semester
in the following areas: Communications, Public Policy, Development/Event Planning and with our Gay-Straight Alliance Network. We are also seeking a graduate student for our Research Fellowship.

Patrick Stewart talks about domestic violence

2009-12-13T06:04:00.001-08:00

Powerful stuff:

NYS Senator Diane Savino speaks on the Marriage Equality bill

2009-12-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Conniving and Sinister

2009-12-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

From Shakesville:

From the Blogs

2009-11-12T19:23:00.001-08:00

The latest stories from the blogs about the Hate Agenda.

Natasha Chart: No Rescue From Democratic Misogyny

Adam Bink: Analysis and Improvement, Part 1

Melissa McEwan: "I have to help my friend and I don’t know how."

Melissa McEwan: Today in Rape Culture

Incertus: The Golden Rule

Melissa McEwan: Cowards

Adam Bink: Analysis and Improvement, Part 2

Adam Green: Dems who voted for the Stupak amendment to restrict women's rights

John Aravosis: Don't Ask, Don't Give

McJoan: What the Stupak-Pitts Coathanger Amendment Does

Melissa McEwan: On Female Filmmakers

Mallory Wells: Why healthcare matters for LGBT people

Nancy Imperiale: Fighting Words

Wonk Room: The House Health Care Bill Makes Progress For Gay Rights

Pam Spaulding: A few words on Maine and the dying hog of homophobia

Radical Russ: Why do marijuana dispensaries win and gay marriages lose on the same ballot in Maine?

Getting Back Our Power (From the Tea Party "Patriots")

2009-11-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

Just as we have to assert our Sovereignty, I feel we need to take other action to restrict the power of our government.

After the New Year, I will be starting a Ballot Initiative here in the State of Florida, to set Term Limits. I am gearing for this Amendment to be placed on the 2012 ballot - which should be enough time to collect the necessary funds for the petition & collect the required number of signatures.

I recommend that States that have Ballot Initiatives should do the same. Below is a link that gives a list of States that have Ballot Initiatives for State Amendments, to Initiate New Laws, Overturn State Statutes, & Recall Officials.

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/States

I suggest you check this out, as your State may have an Initiative that you are unaware of. You may have more power than you think!

The Ballot Initiative is one of the most powerful tools that "We the People" have, as we are able to circumvent the Legislature. This is solely between the People & the State Division of Elections.

When I contacted the Florida Division of Elections concerning a Ballot Initiative that I was considering, they gave me three links. The first link gave a complete explanation of the procedure for setting up a Ballot Initiative. The second link gave a sample copy of a petition (it must be in a specific form). The third link gave forms that I needed to fill out. I found the Florida office to be very accommodating. One of you, in each State, would need to find out your specific procedures.

If you don't find your State listed under any of the options, you will have a more difficult time getting something like term limits passed. Obviously, your Representatives are not going to be thrilled with passing legislation that will restrict them in any way,

I suggest the best route would be to try to get your State to pass a law allowing Ballot Initiatives. You would have to find a representative who would be willing to submit this to your legislature. More difficult - but not impossible

What is most important is that we take whatever action is necessary to "take back our power". It is a matter of researching & investigating our options.

The best option would be to get a US Constitutional Amendment limiting terms - that would effect all States. At this time, the Federal Government does not allow Ballot Initiatives:

The US has no initiative process at the national level. In order for any federal initiative to be ever put to voters nationwide would require Congress to propose an amendment to the US Constitution which in order to take effect would need to be ratified by three-fourths of all the state legislatures or constitutional conventions because the frames of the US Constitution, in Article I, Section I, bestowed all of the legislative power upon the legislative branch of the federal government , the United States Congress.

So, we have to do it State by State.

Unruly Republicans Disrupt Health Care Debate

2009-11-12T17:34:00.001-08:00

Scary Brown People

2009-11-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

I hate Marco Rubio, but this ad is reprehensible:

This Modern World

2009-11-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

(Click to enlarge)

Conniving and Sinister

2009-11-10T18:17:00.001-08:00

From Shakesville:

Conniving and Sinister

2009-11-04T18:53:00.001-08:00

From Shakesville:

Catalog of Hate for 10.24

2009-10-24T19:52:00.001-07:00

10.24.09: Dail Kos commenter: "A black dyke reached for my breast many years ago, I kicked her in the face. She never did that again. Obama states WE HAVE NOT SEEN NOTHING YET.... Oh yes we have, it is HE...who has not seen nothing yet."

10.24.09: Dail Kos commenter: "Thank goodness there are Americans like Daryl who will stand up for REAL America. Not ex-cons like yourself who hate this place. Your citizenship should have been stripped long ago, you treasonous son-of-a-bitch. "Anti-Muslim"? I hope so. Just as your lame criminal ass is anti-Christian, I am glad to know that there are a few elected officials who are against the 'Religion of Peace.' You are a rotten motherfucker. I wish you ill will and the worst possible life. You are one angry minority asshole, and the US is better off without you, you leftist cocksucking gay-loving, Muslim-worshipping, Obama-bowing, flag-burning, dirt-praying, global warming-believing, Michael Moore-watching, Kos-blogging socialist asshole."

10.24.09: Matt Barber: "All I hear [Treki] saying is that the rest of the world cannot be forced to accept behaviors that are demonstrably destructive to both individuals who engage in those behaviors and to the society around them."

10.24.09: Dallas Police: Ticketed a woman for not speaking English.

10.24.09: Unknown: The racist Obama-Joker image is now a racist Obama-Joker Halloween mask.

10.24.09: Anonymous: "I Support Gays And All, But Don't Want THAT Taught In Schools!"

Conniving and Sinister

2009-10-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

From Shakesville:

How the New Hate Crimes Prevention Act Works

2009-10-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

From Pam's House Blend:

The new law lets the Department of Justice give money to help local investigations and prosecutions of hate crimes based on on sexual orientation. Or, the Justice Department can lead an investigation if the local authorities don't do it themselves.

A crime is a hate crime only if it is

Physically violent.

A felony. That means anything that might put someone in prison for more than a year.

Motivated by prejudice based on sexual orientation.

So verbal acts can never be hate crimes.

It's up to the Justice Department whether to financially help a particular investigation of a hate crime. The local organization must apply for the money, and then the Department can either approve or reject the application.

Whether a crime is motivated by prejudice based on sexual orientation is based on "relevant evidence." That means evidence of things the criminal said, did, or believed, before he did the crime.

Heather Beaven Earns Another Endorsement In Bid To Unseat John Mica

2009-10-22T19:33:00.001-07:00

Beaven: “I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with America’s first-responders before, and I’ll continue to do so as the first female veteran from Florida elected to Congress.”
78.5% of FOP Endorsed Congressional Candidates Won in 2008

PALM COAST, FL (October 22, 2009) – Heather Beaven, Navy veteran and candidate for Congress against John Mica, announced today that her campaign has received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police. This endorsement adds to Beaven’s growing list of endorsers including: the Women Under Forty PAC and the Women’s Campaign Forum.

“The brave men and women of the Fraternal Order of Police willfully run into harms-way, at the same moment that most run away from it. That’s why earning this endorsement means the world to me. During my service in the US Navy, I was on the frontlines of the War on Drugs so I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with America’s first-responders before, and I’ll continue to do so as the first female veteran from Florida elected to Congress,” said Heather Beaven.

The Fraternal Order of Police is comprised of over 325,000 sworn law enforcement officers that have considerable political power in Florida. In 2008, the FOP endorsed 14 congressional candidates; 11 of those candidates went on to victory on Election Day.

ABOUT HEATHER BEAVEN

Heather is a Mom, wife, Navy veteran (who served during Operation Desert Storm) and CEO of The Foundation for Florida’s Graduates. The Foundation focuses on bringing education, workforce development and economic development together to help young people better themselves through education and personal responsibility. Find out more about her campaign at www.BeavenForCongress.com

Openly Gay Candidate Needs Your Help

2009-10-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Support Steve Kornell

Most Qualified and Openly-Gay Candidate for St. Pete City Council

Steve Kornell is running to make history in Florida as St. Pete's first openly-LGBT city council member, but he needs your help.

Steve needs our immediate help!

The latest St. Pete times poll shows him leading by just 2 percent. The election is just 19 days away and in this extremely close race your support can have a major impact.

Wherever you live in Florida, this race matters to you. St. Petersburg is the 4th largest city in Florida and a victory here will have a far-reaching impact on the region and on the state.

Steve Kornell for St. Petersburg City Council

Steve has been active in Pinellas County for over a decade. As a board member of the Gay Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Pinellas County, Steve was a part of our effort to successfully push for a statewide anti-bully bill that protects LGBT students.

Steve is the clear choice in this race. In addition to Equality Florida, Steve has been endorsed by the Saint Pete Times, the Victory Fund, the Police Benevolent Association, the Sierra Club and many others.

Even a small gift can make a huge difference in a race like this. Your contribution will help to make St. Pete the largest city in Florida to have an openly-LGBT council member. Please make a donation to Steve's campaign today.

Conniving and Sinister

2009-10-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

From Shakesville:

We Get Letters: WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR MARCO RUBIO?

2009-10-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Below is an unedited e-mail I got last night. Not sure how I got on this guy's list, but the e-mail went out to a who's who of the right-wing in Florida and beyond:

DOESN'T ANYONE HAVE ANY GUTS ANYMORE? WHY CAN'T ANYONE ANSWER MY BELOW ****QUESTION?

Dear GOP:

I SEE MARCO RUBIO, WHO IS A CUBAN IS RUNNING TO REPLACE FLORIDA SENATOR MEL MARTINEZ. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS HOW DO WE KNOW WE CAN TRUST HIM TO LOOK AFTER ALL PEOPLE, EVEN THE WHITES AND NOT JUST THE LATINOS?

I ALWAYS THOUGHT POLITICIANS ARE SUPPOSE TO LOOK AFTER ALL "LEGAL" AMERICAN CITIZENS?

I KNOW HE IS SMILING AND KISSES BABIES, BUT THEY ALL DO!

AS WITH THE GUY WHO IS RETIRING, Sen. Mel Martinez(Fla), IT APPEARS HE DID LITTLE TO NOTHING ABOUT STOPPING THE ILLEGAL LATINO'S FROM ENTERING FLORIDA!

I SEE MEL MARTINEZ HUNG AROUND LONG ENOUGH TO VOTE FOR JUDGE SOTOMAYOR FOR THE SUPREME COURT, ANOTHER LATINO, THEN MARTINEZ RETIRED!

SPEAKING FOR MANY, IT HAS BECOME VERY, VERY DIFFICULT TO TRUST POLITICIANS ANYMORE!

I NOTICE THAT BLACK POLITICIANS GET IN TO POWER AND IT APPEARS THAT THEY JUST LOOK AFTER THE BLACKS AND THEN THERE IS THE GUY MARCO IS TRYING TO REPLACE.

COULD IT BE THAT WHITE AMERICANS ARE BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BY BLACK AND LATINO POLITICIANS?

POLITICIANS HAVE WHAT I CALL THE BILL CLINTON SYNDROME, "TELL THEM WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR, THEN DO WHAT YOU WANT"! ****WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS, CAN WE FIRE RUBIO IF HE LIES?????

KINDLY ADVISE:

THE PATRIOT FROM FLORIDA......SEPTEMBER 25, 2009.

Sorry, couldn't recreate the red text that was off and on throughout the message.

Conniving and Sinister

2009-10-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

From Shakesville:

Things I Can Do Without

2009-10-15T19:19:00.001-07:00

Buju Banton in Florida.

Conniving and Sinister

2009-10-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Catalog of Hate for 9.30

2009-09-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

9.30.09: John Derbyshire: "Among the hopes that I do not realistically nurse is the hope that female suffrage will be repealed. But I’ll say this – if it were to be, I wouldn’t lose a minute’s sleep."

9.30.09: Michael Steele: Says Thomas Friedman is a "nut job" for his concerns over psychotic rhetoric from the right

9.30.09: Newsmax: Said the Newsmax blogger who advocated a coup against Obama wasn't really advocating a coup against Obama. And he used to be a Democrat.

9.30.09: John Perry: "Military intervention is what Obama’s exponentially accelerating agenda for 'fundamental change' toward a Marxist state is inviting upon America. A coup is not an ideal option, but Obama’s radical ideal is not acceptable or reversible."

9.30.09: Michael Steele: Dismisses threats against Obama

9.30.09: All kinds of crazy people: Obama has received more than 400 percent more threats than George W. Bush

9.30.09: ConservativeHQ.com Readers: 95% voted to say that Obama was a socialist

9.30.09: Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, RedState.com: Said that Obama calling for kids to spend more time in school was a grab for more indoctrination of kids

9.30.09: 11th Grader from Haines City: Says Obama is a socialist

9.30.09: W. Cleon Skousen: Said slave owners were the worst victims of the system and that slaves couldn't work fast.

9.30.09: Dick Armey: Says Democrats will use an "outbreak" of swine flu to push through health care reform.

9.30.09: Jim Quinn: Told armed service members to "run for your life, get out," because Obama "is gonna get you killed."

Conniving and Sinister

2009-09-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

From Shakesville:

Good Guys in the NFL

2009-09-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

From Shakesville via Pam's House Blend:

"Looking at the former restrictions on human rights in our country starting with slavery, women not being able to vote, blacks being counted as two thirds of a human, segregation, no gays in the military (to list a few) all have gone by the wayside. But now here in 2009 same sex marriages are prohibited. I think we will look back in 10, 20, 30 years and be amazed that gays and lesbians did not have the same rights as every one else. How did this ever happen in the land of the free and the home of the brave? Are we really free?"—Brendon Ayanbadejo, NFL linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens.

"I hope he's right in his prediction, and I hope even more that it doesn't take that long. People could look at this issue without blinders on...the blinders imposed by their church, their parents, their friends or, in our case, their coaches and locker rooms. I wish they would realize that it's not a religion issue. It's not a government issue. It's not even a gay/straight issue or a question of your manhood. It's a human issue. And until more people see that, we're stuck arguing with people who don't have an argument."—Scott Fujita, defensive captain for the New Orleans Saints.

I don't want to be flip about this, because there is still real opposition out there, standing in the way of progress and fucking up people's lives in material ways, but honestly, when that sort of passionate eloquence in favor of same-sex marriage is coming from the NFL, the debate is over. Our opponents are not even winning battles anymore; they're just delaying the inevitable.

Catalog of Hate for 9.26

2009-09-26T15:44:00.001-07:00

9.25.09: Anonymous Daily Kos commenter: "Just wanted to let you know I received my Obama stimulus package yesterday... It contained watermelon seeds, cornbread mix, and ten coupons to KFC. Directions were in Spanish."

9.25.09: Anonymous Daily Kos commenter: "Where in the world do you get your ideas? There is no sense to them and they appear to be from communist Russia of old. At least from some socialist government. Do you really think that this country wants to emmulate Russia, or Venezuela, or Iran? We are Americans, not communists."

9.25.09: Anonymous Daily Kos commenter: "Letter to the Marxist President: You may 'THINK' you are a leader of this country, You may 'THINK' you have clout, You may 'THINK' your shit doesn't stink, You may 'THINK' you can intimidate people,threaten them, shut them up,use your black Chicago thug tactics on anyone that does not salute you or kiss your ass. You may 'THINK' people give a crap what comes out of your mouth as your lips move with bullshit lies. You may 'THINK'you have power to do whatever the hell you want, you may 'THINK' people are going to sit back and allow YOU to destroy OUR country? Think again you son of a bitch prick. It ain't gonna happen and you will find out one day that what you 'THOUGHT' is not what 'IS'."

9.25.09: Anonymous Daily Kos commenter: "Socialism does not belong here, may I suggest all you lefties keep your past promises and move far, far away, to Europe and beyond. That is not an option though, as you surely realize the freedoms you so easily use and abuse in this country are not at your disposal anywhere else in the world. Although religion is a common source of scorn and ridicule for you and your ilk, perhaps finding God would do you guys some good. There is only one Messiah, and his name is surely not Barack Obama."

9.25.09: Anonymous Daily Kos commenter: "Because the only people who watch MSNBC are tree hugging liberal faggots who have their heads up your ass."

9.24.09: David Seminara: "If soccer is the world’s sport, and America is the world’s leading beacon for immigrants around the globe, why aren’t immigrants making a bigger impact playing soccer for the Stars and Stripes?…Perhaps the issue here is one of assimilation, or lack thereof in a post-American society, or perhaps it’s just the free agency concept spilling over from professional leagues into international competition."

9.24..09: Glenn Beck: "Beck and these other media figures have repeatedly accused Obama of 'indoctrinating' school children, aired unauthorized videos of children singing Obama's praises, and attacked Obama's 'school saftey czar.' On his September 25 television show, Beck plans to continue the trend by hosting 9-12 Project mothers, along with their children, who are 'concerned' about 'their kids' futures.'"

9.24.09: Glenn Beck: “Not anymore. These days we can’t ask anything of immigrants — including that they abide by our laws.”

9.24.09: Glenn Beck: Said that Obama's death panels would kill his child with cerebral palsy.

9.24.09: Steve King: On same-sex marriage..."They want public affirmation. They want access to public funds and resources. Eventually all those resources will be pooled because that’s the direction we’re going. And not only is it a radical social idea, it is a purely socialist concept in the final analysis."

9.24.09: Anonymous Facebook user: "I got really upset a couple of weeks ago when I saw a Facebook quiz that asked something like 'do you support Barack Obama's attempt to take away our guns?'"

9.24.09: Anonymous Kentucky residents: "The AP is reporting that the FBI is investigating the hanging death earlier this month of Bill Sparkman, 51, in rural Kentucky to determine if Sparkman, a census worker, was killed because he worked for the the U.S. government."

9.24.09: Conservatives: "Shooting ranges, gun dealers and bullet manufacturers say they have never seen such shortages. Bullets, especially for handguns, have been scarce for months because gun enthusiasts are stocking up on ammo, in part because they fear President Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress will pass antigun legislation -- even though nothing specific has been proposed."

9.23.09: George W. Bush: "He said he went to see a prison ministry program, noting that ‘everyone was black, of course.'”

8.30.09: Lloyd Marcus: Song lyrics..."This socialist nightmare must come to an end."

8.30.09: Lloyd Marcus: Song lyrics..."I wanna wake up in an America where I can speak as I please."

8.30.09: Lloyd Marcus: Song lyrics..."I wanna find my freedom restored/ACORN is out."

Tea Party Express (Ely, Nevada)

2009-09-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Good Castor

2009-09-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

Kathy Castor (D-FL) Fights to Extend Ryan White Program:

Good Illeana

2009-09-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Doing the right thing on her one good issue:

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) has issued a scathing statement against the new president of the United Nations General Assembly, Ali Abdessalam Treki (who is a former foreign minister of Libya) for recent remarks that seemed to favor the criminalization of homosexuality:

The anti-gay bigotry spewed by this Qaddafi shill demonstrates once again that the UN has been hijacked by advocates of hate and intolerance. Congress must demand better by enacting pending legislation that would leverage our contributions to the UN to produce sweeping, meaningful reform of that body.

Catalog of Hate for 9.25

2009-09-25T21:18:00.001-07:00

9.25.09: Michelle Bachmann: About the Census...“I think there is a point when you say enough is enough to government intrusion.” and “If we look at American history, between 1942 and 1947, the data that was collected by the census bureau was handed over to the FBI and other organizations, at the request of President Roosevelt, and that’s how the Japanese were rounded up and put into the internment camps.”

9.25.09: Glenn Beck: “Ok, so let me talk about the Census because there’s a lot of people that are concerned with it because they don’t want to fill it out, they’re not comfortable with ACORN members coming to find out all this information, they don’t want to give the government all this kind of information.”

9.25.09: Neal Boortz: “Most of the rest of the [Census] information is designed to help the government steal from you in order to pass off your property to the moochers. They’re looters.” Boortz urged his listeners to resist the Census workers. “If somebody comes to my — if a burglar came to your house, are you going to show him where the silverware is?” he asked. “Maybe you will if he pulls out a gun.”

9.25.09: Americans for Truth About Homosexuality: Called Kevin Jennings a "vicious, anti-religious bigot."

9.25.09: Bill Donohue: Said Kevin Jennings' remarks about homosexuality and God "perverse."

9.25.09: Family Research Council: Launched a "Stop Kevin Jennings" campaign, saying he is a "radical homosexual activist."

9.25.09: Patrick Goldstein: Wrote an L.A. Times post called "Is Ken Burns a Secret Propagandist for Socialism?"

9.25.09: North Carolina anti-census people: "The overwhelming anger is directed straight at the President. No question. Fear and racism at the core that has manifested into anti-government radicalism. We're threatened and intimidated almost daily, just for trying to earn a days pay and uphold the Constitution. I've been called an "employee of president nigger" and team members have been bitten by dogs and threatened with shotguns."

9.25.09: Michelle Malkin: Her latest article is entitled "The Three R's in the Age of Obama: Rappin', Revolution and Radicalism."

Right-Wing Census Paranoia: Bachmann, Beck, Fox News, and More

2009-09-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

Crazy, crazy stuff:

Conniving and Sinister

2009-09-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

From Shakesville:

Ranking 25th In the Nation for Women in Politics, Florida's Women Take the Lead At First-Ever FL Go Run Workshops

2009-09-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

Beginning Friday, September 25th over 100 diverse women from across Florida will take the next step in their leadership by attending The White House Project’s award-winning Go Run political training program for women. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents; black, white, Latina, Asian, and Native American, will come together for three days of intensive training that will propel them into the local, statewide, and national political arena.

The goal of The White House Project’s Florida Go Run—a multi-day workshop led by state and national experts—is to create a permanent, nonpartisan pipeline to women’s political leadership throughout the state. Across the U.S., the innovative Go Run program has been instrumental in propelling a diverse group of women into positions of political leadership, having trained over 8,000 women since its creation in 2004.

"Women remain Florida’s greatest untapped natural resource,” said Marie C. Wilson, President of The White House Project. “When women sit fully at the tables of power, we create stronger governments, from the school board to the city council to the senate, and compelling solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems.”

Among the diverse women who will attend next week’s training are...

Revised Blog Description

2009-09-25T20:39:00.001-07:00

Taking this one in a bit of a new direction...

This is a blog specifically designed to battle the agenda of conservative hate-mongers in Florida and beyond. This blog will document the hate from the right whether it be aimed at the LGBT community, women, African Americans, Hispanics, the poor and anyone else they decide to target. We'll also provide you with information as to what you can do about all this.

From the Blogs

2009-09-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Bilerico Project Florida (Waymon Hudson): I Couldn't Say It Better: Florida Says Yes to Beating Kids, No to Gays Adopting

Bilerico Project Florida (Waymon Hudson): Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Signs on to Letter Supporting Extension of the Ryan White Act

Bark Bark Woof Woof: Family Court

Bilerico Project Florida (Waymon Hudson): Florida's Gay Adoption Ban Headed to Appeals Court

Bilerico Project Florida (Jillian T. Weiss): ENDA support...but can you please drop the transgenders?: Florida's Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Bilerico Project Florida (Waymon Hudson): Orlando Sentinel Poll: 68% of Floridians Think Gays Should be able to Adopt

Bilerico Project Florida (Nadine Smith): Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Reaffirms Support for Repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Equality Florida (Brian Winfield): Is Challenging Anti-LGBT Messages Censorship?

Equality Florida (Michael Farmer): Far Right-wing campaign targets openly gay Obama appointee

Equality Florida (Tobias Packer): Shame on You WFLA NBC Channel 8!

Shakesville: The Trials and Travails of Transness: Dude Looks Like a Lady

Equality Florida (juankgalan): IMMIGRATION LAWS AFFECT THE GLBTQ COMMUNITY TOO!!!

Equality Florida (Mallory Wells): Florida Legislators Urge President to Repeal DADT

Equality Florida (Stratton Pollitzer): Will Florida recognize gay adoptions from other states?

Natch Greyes: 'The LBGT Agenda'

Conniving and Sinister

2009-09-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Shakesville has a great series of ongoing cartoons called Conniving and Sinister, which deals with sexism and homophobia. It is a must read.

An example:

Capitol Offense: The Florida Family Association Promotes Hate

2009-07-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our good old friends in the FFA have released the following breathless e-mail filled with lies and distortions so that their followers will contact Senators to urge them to pursue an agenda of hate. I'll give you their text and my response:

US Senate poised to vote on Hate Crimes Bill, please ask your senators to vote NO

The United States Senate is poised to vote Thursday on Senator Ted Kennedy’s infamous Hate Crimes Bill (S. 909).

There is nothing "infamous" about this bill other than it helps protect American taxpayers from being intimidated and assaulted based on who they are.

The legislation elevates "actual or perceived" "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the same federal legal status as race.

This is a cynical attempt to get racial minorities to join their attack on LGBT Americans by pitting them against each other. It's a oft-used historical tactic that only works if we allow it to. The implication here is that the LGBT community is downplaying the struggles of racial minorities.

The whole point with the language in quotes in this passage is that here in the real world there is a continuum of sexual orientation and gender identity that is more complex that conservatives want to have to deal with. Reality doesn't fit in with their either/or, black/white view of the world, so they use the quote marks here to belittle people and their rights.

Homosexual activists are urging passage of this bill which will give preferential treatment to prosecute crimes committed against some victims while ignoring other victims of the same crimes.

Support for this bill goes well beyond "homosexual activists." Anybody who believes in fairness, justice and equality supports this bill. And the logic at the end of this passage is both ridiculous and incredibly dishonest. The bill doesn't give anyone preferential treatment. It provides for stronger protections for people who face stronger assaults on their person. And you clearly can't argue that the law ignores something that is a "crime." The word crime, by definition, refers to something that is illegal. If someone is assaulted in order to steal money from them, that is still a crime and there is still a punishment associated with that. But if someone is assaulted because they are gay, then the purpose of the assault goes well beyond stealing money and moves into the realm of trying to silence and intimidate an entire class of people. Because of that much higher potential for harm, there should be higher penalties. We have stiffer penalties for murder than for parking violations because the former has higher potential to cause harm to society. Same thing for hate crimes.

Additionally, there are concerns that this legislation may be misused by those who want to prosecute speech that is ironically deemed intolerant by homosexual activists.

Such concerns are only held by people who don't favor equality for the LGBT community. No one with any familiarity with this bill, or the law in general, has any such concerns. Nothing in this law would penalize people for saying something that is evil or wrong, unless that speech directly leads to someone causing harm to people or property -- this is the same standard that already exists in our law.

The U.S. House passed their Hate Crimes Bill (HR 1913) on April 29, 2009. The vote was 249 to 175, with 10 not voting.

The House already did the right thing.

Now the US Senate is preparing to vote on this legislation.

There is still time for you to urge your two US Senators to vote NO on the Hate Crimes Bill.

Phone calls are most important at this stage in the political battle. Please contact your US Senators and ask them to vote NO on the Hate Crimes Bill (S. 909) Simply Call the Capitol Switchboard number, (202) 224-3121, and ask to be connected to your Senator. It will take less than 90 seconds and have a greater impact than just sending an email.

...

Please contact the two US Senators who represent your state, today. The vote is supposed to take place on Thursday, July 16th.

FFA is largely correct here. You should contact Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez and tell them to do the right thing -- vote yes on the Hate Crimes Bill. Vote yes for fairness, justice and equality. Vote no to hatred and fearmongering.

I'm Kenneth Quinnell and I approve this message.

Read more on Florida politics at the Florida Progressive Coalition blog (http://flaprogressives.org) and the Florida Progressive Coalition Wiki (http://quinnell.us/sspb/wiki/).

From the Blogs

2009-06-27T20:16:00.001-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Progress Florida (Ray Seaman): Campaigning on Marriage Equality

Equality Florida: God, Guns and Gays: Far Right Slams McCollum as too Moderate on Gay Issues

Re/Creating Tampa: Barack Obama doesn’t like gay people

Deb on the Rocks: Announcing the Queerosphere OUT Loud party, and you are invited!

Pam's House Blend: Heterosexual Privilege- Some Talking Points

Daily Humor

2009-06-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today's reason to laugh...

Betty Bowers Explains Traditional Marriage to Everyone Else

The Gay Civil Rights Movement is Our Civil Rights Movement

2009-06-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

Bad Questions to Ask a Transsexual

2009-06-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Daily Humor

2009-06-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Today's reason to laugh...

O'Reilly defends gay penguins

From the Blogs

2009-06-11T21:11:00.001-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Bilerico Project Florida (Father Tony): Same-sex marriage - it's nothing new

Equality Florida: Slowly but surely the archaic anti-gay adoption ban crumbles

Bilerico Project Florida (Charles L. Ross): A Jihad for Love, the struggle of Islamic gays

ReidBlog: Roll over, Sonny: Chastity's becoming a man

Bilerico Project Florida (Waymon Hudson): Let's Homosexualize! Humor as a Tool for Change

Natch Greyes: Marriage Equality

Equality Florida: BREAKING NEWS | City of Miami Approves Domestic Partnership Ordinance

Bilerico Project Florida (Father Tony): Was Jesus Gay?

The Spencerian: Don't Ask... It's Not Picture Perfect

Natch Greyes: Marriage Equality Victory In Ohio

Natch Greyes: Bad News for Democrats and Gay Marriage from New York

Equality Florida: Five ways that gay couples lose big on taxes

Bilerico Project Florida: How has marriage changed me?

Natch Greyes: Equal Rights Update: Cheney To The Left of Obama?

Bark Bark Woof Woof: New Hampshire Passes Marriage Equality

Pushing Rope: Gay Marriage Legal in New Hampshire

Equality Florida (Stratton Pollitzer): Voter's Punish Gay Baiting Candidate

Daily Humor

2009-06-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

You may have already seen this one, if not, prepare to laugh.

Sex With Ducks: the Music Video by Garfunkel and Oates

From the Blogs

2009-05-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Bark Bark Woof Woof: Maine Marriage Equality

Bilerico Project Florida (Chip Clapp): Local Activist Let Down

Think Progress: DC Council recognizes out-of-state same-sex marriages.

Pam's House Blend: Another example of the deranged 'logic' for keeping DADT in place

Pensito Review (Jon Ponder): Gay Marriage Has Twice the Support Today That Interracial Marriage Had When It Was Legalized in the 1960s

Bilerico Project Florida (Father Tony): Hate is not always obvious

Natch Greyes: 5 (6?) States Down, 45 (44?) To Go On Gay Marriage

Bark Bark Woof Woof: Right and Wrong

Down With Tyranny: Can we recall that LGBT military exclusion is a national security issue, not just a "gay" one?

From the Blogs

2009-05-03T19:23:00.001-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Natch Greyes: Tipping Point On Same-Sex Marriage?

Natch Greyes: Same-Sex Marriage Comes To The Granite State

Bark Bark Woof Woof: Make the Most Of It

Down With Tyranny: Maine's In The News Today-- Same Sex Marriage Bill Passes The State Senate

AMERICAblog: Maine senate passes gay marriage

Daily Kos: One step closer to marriage equality in New Hampshire and Maine

Pam's House Blend: Debunking "But The Plumbing Doesn't Fit!" Argument Against Same Gender Marriage

Rep. Kathy Castor - Hate Crimes Legislation

2009-05-03T09:10:00.001-07:00

President Obama Issues Support Statement for Hate Crimes Bill

2009-05-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

From the president:

This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. I urge members on both sides of the aisle to act on this important civil rights issue by passing this legislation to protect all of our citizens from violent acts of intolerance – legislation that will enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association. I also urge the Senate to work with my Administration to finalize this bill and to take swift action.

MSNBC's David Shuster Takes On Gay Marriage Hater - 05/01/09

2009-05-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Daily Humor

2009-04-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today's reason to laugh...

A Gaythering Storm

A Gaythering Storm from Jane Lynch

Daily Humor

2009-04-13T15:41:00.001-07:00

Today's reason to laugh...

Cast of NOMs anti-gay commercial get eaten by cat...

Perspectives

2009-04-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Concerned Women for America on gay rights:

"To compare rich, privileged homosexual lobby groups allied with transsexuals and sadomasochists to brave civil rights crusaders — who risked their lives to advance freedom — insults every black American who overcame real injustice and poverty,” said CWA President Sandy Rios... "It’s time for the homosexual lobby to stop co-opting the black civil rights struggle. The [National Gay and Lesbian] Task Force’s agenda of promoting perversion — including public homosexual sex, sadomasochism and bisexuality — would offend the vast majority of African-Americans who understand the difference between God-designed racial distinctions and changeable, immoral behavior.”

"God-designed racial distinctions"? Contrast that with Coretta Scott King:

Coretta Scott King, speaking four days before the 30th anniversary of her husband's assassination, said Tuesday the civil rights leader's memory demanded a strong stand for gay and lesbian rights. "I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice," she said. "But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'" "I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people," she said. - Reuters, March 31, 1998.

...

Speaking before nearly 600 people at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel, Coretta Scott King, the wife of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Tuesday called on the civil rights community to join in the struggle against homophobia and anti-gay bias. "Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood," King stated. "This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all too easily to victimize the next minority group." - Chicago Defender, April 1, 1998, front page.

Who do you trust more to understand what civil rights is all about, a bunch of old white women or one of the leaders of the civil rights movement?

Record Number Sponsor Florida Gay Rights Bills

2009-03-30T09:30:00.001-07:00

Palm Beach County Human Rights Council:

Forty Florida legislators are working to enact a statewide law to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in employment, housing and public accommodations.

At the request of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, state senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and state representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) have introduced legislation (SB 2012/HB 397) to expand the protected classes in both the Florida Civil Rights Act and Florida's Fair Housing Act.

The Council is a non-profit organization that has been in the forefront of Florida's gay rights movement since 1988.

"For the first time in history, 25 percent of our state lawmakers are on record supporting legislation to ensure that gay, lesbian and transgender individuals have the same rights as all other Floridians," said Council president Rand Hoch.

Earlier this year, Deutch enlisted seven of his colleagues in the Florida Senate to co-sponsor his bill. He is also working closely with Senate President Jeff Atwater ( R-North Palm Beach), who has pleaded to help move the Senate bill forward this session. The bill is assigned to the Commerce Committee, which last year overwhelmingly supported the Deutch bill by a vote of 7-1.

"Hardworking Floridians should not be fired from their jobs just because they are gay," said Deutch.

In the Florida House of Representatives, Skidmore has secured the co-sponsorships of 31 lawmakers for her bill (HB 397).

"All Floridians should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for their families without fear of being unfairly fired or denied housing for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance or their ability to maintain their homes," said Skidmore."The time has come for Florida to join the twenty other states which protect gay and lesbian employees from being unfairly fired."

The Skidmore bill has yet to be assigned to committee by the House leadership.

"Unlike Senator Atwater, Speaker of the House Larry Cretul (R-Ocala) does not yet understand the urgency of this legislation," said Hoch.

Republican Governor Charlie Crist, a strong advocate for civil rights, has not indicated whether he would sign the bill when it gets to his desk.

Since 1990, seven counties and ten cities in Florida have amended their fair employment and housing laws to cover sexual orientation, and/or gender identity or expression. Such laws are in effect in Broward, Leon, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties, as well as in the cities of Gulfport, Gainesville, Key West, Lake Worth, Miami Beach, Orlando, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa and West Palm Beach.

"We need a statewide law," said Hoch. "Well over half of all Floridians who face this type of discrimination have no legal recourse. Where you live and work in Florida should not determine your civil rights."

Twenty states and the District of Columbia have enacted fair employment and housing laws covering sexual orientation. The most recent thirteen of these states to enact such laws and the District of Columbia also have included gender identity or expression.

As a result of these laws, 52% of the U.S. population now lives in
jurisdictions protecting gay men and lesbians from discrimination. Thirty-nine percent of the U.S. population now lives in jurisdictions that also protect individuals based on their gender identity and/or expression.

All seven states whose civil rights laws include only sexual orientation are considering legislation this year to add gender identity or expression.

In addition to Florida, fifteen other state legislatures are considering bills to add both sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression to their civil rights laws.

Polling data for the past thirty years has consistently shown that
Americans believe gays and lesbians should have equal rights in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

In May 2008, a poll was conducted of more than 1,000 voters across the state. When asked whether homosexuals should have the same rights as everyone else to housing, job opportunities and public accommodations, 89% responded "yes."

Political party identification had little statistical impact on the results. Eighty-seven percent of Republicans, 90% of Democrats and 93% of Independents all support equal rights for gay and lesbian Floridians.

Age and gender also have no impact on support of equal rights. 88% of Florida voters 55 and over support equal rights for gay men and lesbians, as do 90% under age 55. Similarly, 90% of women and 88% of men are supportive.

Floridians' sense of fairness is mirrored across America. According to nationwide polls conducted annually for the past quarter-century by the Gallup Organization, 89% of all Americans 18 years or older believe that gay men and lesbians should have equal employment rights. This percentage has been constant since 2004.

More than 90% of the Fortune 500 companies have written policies prohibiting workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and a quarter of them also prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

Joining Deutch as co-sponsors of the civil rights bill are state senators Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach), Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa), Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersbeurg), Nan Rich (D-Weston), Jeremy Ring (D-Margate), Chris Smith (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Eleanor Sobel (D-Hallandale Beach).

The thirty co-sponsors of Skidmore's bill include Representatives Joseph Abruzzo (D-Wellington), Mary Brandenburg (D-West Palm Beach), Ronald Brisé (D-North Miami), Dwight Bullard (D-Miami), Chuck Chestnut (D-Gainesville), Gwyn Clarke-Reed (D-Deerfield Beach), Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota), Luis Garcia (D-Miami Beach), Joe Gibbons (D-Hallandale Beach), Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville), Bill Heller (D-St. Petersburg) Evan Jenne (D-Dania Beach), Marty Kiar (D-Davie), Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg), Janet Long (D-Seminole), Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach), Ari Porth (D-Coral Springs), Kevin Rader (D-Delray Beach), Scott Randolph (D-Orlando), Betty Reed (D-Tampa), Michelle Rehnwinkel Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee), Yolly Roberson (D-Miami), Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach), Franklin Sands (D-Weston), Ron Saunders (D-Key West), Elaine Schwartz (D-Hollywood), Darren Soto (D-Orlando), Richard Steinberg (D-Miami Beach), Priscilla Taylor (D-West Palm Beach) and Jim Waldman (D-Coconut Creek).

From the Blogs

2009-03-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Down With Tyranny: Big Gay Rights Victory In Florida

Bilerico Project Florida: Bilerico Went Dark: What Happened?

Blast Off!: North Florida: where intolerance is a way of life

Bilerico Project Florida: Keep Your Enemies Closer

Bilerico Project Florida: Historic Domestic Partnership Legislation Introduced in Florida

Pam's House Blend: Did Concerned Women for America commit a 'super distortion?'

Pam's House Blend: American Pro-LGBT Legislative Friday round-up

Blue Herald: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell? Too Busy!

Bilerico Project Florida: Victory In Gainesville: Voters Reject Fear Tactics and Discrimination

Blast Off!: Gainesville says no to hate; "potty humor" takes on a new meaning

Progress Florida (Ray Seaman): Gainesville Holds The Line On Progress

Equality Florida: Gainesville Voters Reject Charter Amendment 1, Uphold LGBT Protections

Equality Florida: Gainesville Voters Take A Stand Against Discrimination

Bilerico Project Florida: This is What Democracy Looks Like...

Bilerico Project Florida: We're Making History in Tallahassee!

Bilerico Project Florida: Rally in Tally Speech from the Florida State Capitol

Broward's Blog: RALLY IN TALLY

Bark Bark Woof Woof: Family Values

We Won!

2009-03-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

If you listen to the fundies, this story proves that our side has one -- Merriam Webster officially redefined the word "marriage" to include same-sex unions. The gay agenda is succeeding, ha ha ha (read as: maniacal mad scientist laugh).

Nadine Smith Fighting the Good Fight

2009-03-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

From the Rally in Tally (other speakers included):

More (including legislative priorities for Equality Florida):

Brandenburg Sponsor's Legislation to End Gay Adoption Ban

2009-03-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

“There are over 3,000 children in Florida awaiting adoption right now, according to the Department of Children and Families. That is unacceptable. Every child should be able to live in a permanent, loving home,” said Representative Mary Brandenburg (D-Lake Worth). “That is why I filed a bill that that allows judges to approve adoptions based solely on what is best for the child.”

Child psychologists agree with what parents instinctively know: children thrive as family members. Even non-traditional families, such as those headed by a single parent, by grandparents, or by same-sex couples can raise their children successfully. On the other hand, children who languish in foster homes are much more likely to drop out of school, become teen-age parents, and get into trouble with the law.

Right now, Florida allows families headed by gay and lesbian couples to serve as short- and long-term foster parents, but does not allow them to permanently adopt the children they are caring for. “That just doesn’t make sense,” said Rep. Brandenburg. “Why are the standards different for foster parents and permanent parents? Why does the State of Florida continue to deny foster kids the opportunity of living in a forever family? That isn’t fair to the 3,000+ children hoping to escape foster care for a permanent home.” A poll conducted by Quinnipiac University in January, 2009, found that most Floridians believe gay and lesbian people should be permitted to adopt.

Florida is the only state with a statutory ban against same-sex individuals or couples adopting. A Miami judge threw out this law last year, but that decision is under appeal. Rep. Brandenburg’s bill would eliminate the need for lengthy appeals. Rep. Brandenburg’s House Bill 413 would allow a judge to determine, on an individual basis, whether adoption into a specific family would be in the best interest of the child. Senator Nan Rich (D-Sunrise) has filed identical legislation in the Florida Senate.

Florida School: Rainbows Bad, Confederate Flags Good

2009-03-10T23:02:00.001-07:00

From the Blogs

2009-03-04T07:12:00.001-08:00

Incertus (Brian): Homobigotry is ebbing in Florida

Incertus (Brian): I'm only surprised it took this long

Bilerico Project Florida (Waymon Hudson): Killer of Ryan Skipper Found Guilty in Florida

Florida Young Democrats (Hillary): Heard at the Water Cooler: Eyes closed

Bilerico Project Florida (Nadine Smith): Far right targets Pro-Equality Florida Legislators

From the Blogs

2009-01-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

madfloridian: Florida Democratic Party refused to fight against Amendment 2

Pushing Rope: The Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Caucus Is Upset

New Group, OUT, Forms

2009-01-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

From their press release:

January 5, 2009

Tampa–Leaders of several local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied organizations announced the creation of a statewide federation of organizations: Organizations United Together, Inc. ("OUT"). OUT Spokesperson Karen Doering explained that, “OUT's mission is to connect and empower local organizations to share resources, skills and information, forging statewide strength in order to achieve equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians.” Several local organizations with successful track records have already joined the new federation, including Sarasota Equality Project, SAVE Dade and the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. The leaders of Florida's local LGBT organizations will be invited to attend OUT's next meeting in Orlando on January 24, 2009.

"Local organizations that join the federation will retain their own autonomy and self-governance, and will have the opportunity to cooperate on statewide projects which interest them," said C.J. Ortuno, Executive Director of SAVE Dade. "For several years, local LGBT organizations have been working together informally on common issues such as human rights ordinances and domestic partner benefits. OUT will provide a network to continue this work and to unite on important statewide projects, such as passing a statewide antidiscrimination law, repealing the ban on gay adoption, and defeating the discriminatory charter amendment to be considered by Gainesville's voters on March 24th."

"OUT will work hand-in-hand with national and state organizations such as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, HRC, Equality Florida and others," said Michael Shelton, President of Sarasota Equality Project.

Cathy James, board member of Securing Our Children's Rights (SOCR), a Tampa-based organization dedicated to repealing Florida's ban on gay adoption, added, "There has never been a more critical time for local groups to work together."

"As Tip O'Neil used to say, 'All politics is local,’" said Rand Hoch, President of Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. "After the passage of Amendment 2, the leaders of several local LGBT organizations around the state acknowledged the need for better communication and cooperation. Fostering strong local organizations will ultimately help us achieve success on statewide issues."

From the Blogs

2009-01-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

ReidBlog: On second thought ... Joe Lowry's not for gay marriage either

Pam's House Blend: 365gay's Top 8 gay videos of 2008

Daily Humor

2008-12-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Typo In Proposition 8 Defines Marriage As Between 'One Man And One Wolfman'.

(Regular blogging to resume very soon).

From the Blogs

2008-11-08T14:58:00.001-08:00

City Hall: New York may become the first state to legalize gay marriage without being told to by a court

Bark Bark Woof Woof: Saying No to Equality

Ybor City Stogie: Florida Passes Hate Amendment

Left Side Out: I now pronounce you...

Miami & Beyond: The next barrier that needs to fall

Son of Timatollah: Proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution, Revised

Equality Florida Blog: Media Statement from Vote No On 2 on the Passage of Florida's Amendment 2

Son of Timatollah: Our Rights

BlueHerald: Florida’s Amendment 2 Passes

A Sad Day for Florida

2008-11-06T07:10:00.000-08:00

Lost among all the euphoria about the election is the fact that the Hate Amendment was passed in Florida (and two other states). While this law will eventually be shot down as unconstitutional at the federal level, we can't wait for the long legal process as our only efforts to achieve the dream of equal rights for LGBT citizens.

Obviously, the focus of this blog will change a bit. Now we will focus on battling the agenda of conservative anti-gay Floridians and Americans and the people who buy into their agenda. We will document the effects of Florida's Amendment 2 and similar legislation and highlight politicians and organizations on both sides of the battle for equality for LGBT citizens in Florida and beyond.

If you are interested in joining us in this battle, send me an e-mail at quinnelk@hotmail.com

We have much work ahead of us.

Why They're Wrong, Part 13

2008-11-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

That claim that "traditional" marriage was between a man and a woman is nonsense:

The recent California court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage has elicited a new round of warnings about the threats to “traditional” marriage. Marriage, say foes of the ruling, has always been a union of one man and one woman, with procreation as its central purpose. And Christianity in particular has historically surrounded marriage with sacred ceremonies, reserved for those who understand its solemn meaning, they contend. Compelling either church or state to accept the validity of same-sex unions would force these institutions, in defiance of tradition, to condone marriages of which they disapprove.

But these arguments rest on a misunderstanding of the unique legal and religious history of Western marriage. It is true that Western law and religion have long held that marriage must consist of one man and one woman. But this represented a profound break with tradition. The most commonly preferred model of marriage through the ages (and the type of marriage mentioned most often in the first five books of the Old Testament) was not one-man, one-woman, but one-man, many-women: polygyny. Even where polygyny was not the norm, a man whose marriage did not produce a child was traditionally allowed to either divorce his original wife or add another wife or concubine to his household.

The establishment of monogamy required the Church to deny that procreation was central to the definition of marriage. In fact, one of Christianity’s major innovations was its insistence that a marriage remained valid even if the couple could not reproduce. The church would overturn a marriage if the man was impotent, but not if one of the partners was sterile.

This principle became the foundation of subsequent Anglo-American law. English and American courts traditionally voided a marriage if a person was incapable of sexual intimacy and had hidden this from his or her partner. But they never made the validity of a marriage dependent on the ability or willingness of a couple to reproduce. As a New York court ruled in 1898, “it cannot be held, as a matter of law, that the possession of the organs necessary to conception are essential to entrance to the married state, so long as there is no impediment to the indulgence of the passions incident to this state.” The ability to have sex, not to reproduce, was the primary foundation of marriage in Western religious and secular traditions alike.

Nor did Christianity insist that marriage be approved by church or state. Here the Church was hewing to an even older tradition. In most ancient societies, marriage had been a private contract between two families. If the parents agreed to the match, that confirmed its validity. Those individuals who, for whatever reason, could marry without consulting their parents did not need anyone else’s permission. Long before Christianity arose, the Roman state incorporated this principle into its legal system. In the Roman Empire, if a court had to decide whether a marriage was valid and whether the partners or children were subject to the rights and duties attached to marital law, it did so on the basis of the couple’s intentions. If a couple regarded each other as husband and wife, and neither was a slave, their marriage was deemed valid.

Supporters of laws like Amendment 2, it seems, have trouble telling the truth about anything. They either don't know or don't care about actual facts.

Good News in Amendment 2 Fight

2008-11-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

As Waymon Hudson at Bilerico Florida reports, its headed to court:

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mary Barzee Flores has granted the request of Florida Red & Blue, the group behind the SayNo2 Campaign to defeat Amendment 2, for a hearing to require the sponsors of Amendment 2 (Florida4Marriage) to disclose the donors to the non-profit Florida Family Action and for an immediate halt to advertising paid for with these secret, illegal funds. The hearing will take place Monday, November 3 at 4:00 p.m.

The hearing will look into the illegally shielded campaign donations of Florida4Marriage that were funneled through a non-profit organization called "Florida Family Action", which was created by John Stemberger (who also runs the campaign for Amendment 2). Based on public finance reports filed yesterday, 55 percent of all spending in support of Amendment 2 - more than $1.1 million in total - comes from donors being illegally shielded from the public by the "yes" on Amendment 2 campaign through purposefully funneled money.

I only wish this could've happened quicker so more Floridians could've learned about the dirty, underhanded, and probably illegal, campaign run by the supporters of the Hate Amendment.

Right-Wing Dirty Tricks

2008-10-31T20:20:00.001-07:00

Conservative anti-gay crusaders will stop at nothing to pass Amendment 2 and Proposition 8 in California. Yesterday in the last few days of fundraising in both states, early voting in Florida and the last few days of the election, a coordinated cyber attack knocked out the websites of both campaigns fighting these hate-filled laws. SayNo2 was down for about two and a half hours. The point was to prevent people from making campaign contributions and learn about the lies and misrepresentations the hate amendment sponsors are pushing, but are being opposed by honest, law-abiding, truly American citizens in Florida and California.

Even more dirty tricks are being used in Florida as Waymon Hudson at Bilerico Florida shows:

Dirty tricks, money funneling, and lawsuits- oh my! My investigation into the misdeeds and dishonest campaign tactics of the backers of Florida's Amendment 2 just keeps getting nastier and more disturbing...

I reported earlier about Florida Red & Blue, the group behind the SayNo2 Campaign to defeat Amendment 2, filing a lawsuit in Miami-Dade Circuit Court asking a judge to force the group campaigning for Amendment 2 (Florida4Marriage) to disclose all of its donors and stop airing its TV ads. This came after a formal complaint with the Florida Election Commission asking for an investigation into Florida4Marriage illegal campaigning tactics.

In emails obtained exclusively by the Bilerico Project Florida, the proof of these money funneling activities is shown. And it turns out the dirty tricks and donor hiding goes a lot further than we previously thought...

...

We already knew John Stemberger, the head of Florida4Marriage, has sent emails detailing how donors could illegally skirt campaign finance reporting laws by funneling money through a non-profit organization, Florida Family Action, which he appears to have established for just that purpose.

...

Of the total contributions to Florida4Marriage.org at last reporting (approximately $1,500,000), roughly 52% came from Florida Family Action.

Most recently, Florida4Marriage reported an in-kind contribution of $350,000 from Florida Family Action for the purchase of advertising. This is odd, since the ads all say "paid for and approved by Florida4Marriage", not Florida Family Action. In fact, at least three media outlets- WTSP Tampa, WTVT Tampa Bay, and WKMG Orlando- have confirmed that the name of the organization for which the purchases were made is Florida4Marriage.org although no direct expenditure from the campaign account for these media buys has been reported.

It seems illegal identification of ads goes along with the dirty money expenditures...

Tactics like this continue to prove that the backers of the hate amendment (and Prop 8 in California) don't really care about right or wrong, they only care about winning, no matter what the tactics and no matter what the effects on tax-paying American citizens.

From the Blogs

2008-10-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

Equality Florida: South Florida Caribbean News says Vote NO on Amendment 2!

Equality Florida: Miami court decision may affect a law barring gays from adopting

Equality Florida: Marriage Amendment "Divisive" and "Underhanded"

Pam's House Blend: Florida's Amendment 2: The Lessons from Michigan

Pam's House Blend: Florida Chicanery

Pam's House Blend: The Insanity of John Stemberger: Going Down the Rabbit Hole in Florida

They're Back! Don't let Government in our Private Lives!

2008-10-27T13:03:00.001-07:00

Citizen Interviews on Amendment 2

2008-10-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Nicole:

James:

Legend Killer:

Kenneth:

"No one's loving commitment is a threat to my marriage"

2008-10-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

There really isn't any way to say it better than this:

On Saturday night two women who belong to the house of worship I attend made a lifetime commitment to each other in front of about 200 friends, relatives and fellow congregants.

It was a moving ceremony, followed by a joyous reception.

Their loving bond is no threat to anyone's marriage.

More Dirty Tricks In Amendment 2 Campaign

2008-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Via Daily Kos, check out these two very similar ads...

Florida's Amendment 2:

Arizona's Prop 102:

As Mark K In Tucson Arizona points out:

The first ad from Florida says at the end paid for and sponsored by "Florida4marriage.org." and the Arizona ad is paid for by yesformarriage.com supporting Prop.102.

So how then two state issues can have the same video, audio but with a slightly altered script? Are Floridian's paying for Arizona's ad or vice versa. According to the campaign finance reports for yesformarriage.com (Arizona Proposition 102), a firm called Design4 Advertising, with the address given of 106 N. Collins St., in Plant City, Florida, has received a total of $2,309,000 (with the last installment on 8/29/08) for "communications - advertising." When one searches for this firm on the Internet nothing turns up but if you Google, "Design4" and "Marketing," the following turns up for this firm: "Design4 Marketing Communications," eighteen years of applying modern media to a timeless message in service to national Christian ministries, public policy organizations and issue advocacy groups," and are located at 106 N. Collins St., in Plant City, Florida. This is the only page on this website.

So how then can two different campaigns, similar issue, two to three time zones apart have the same ad, if proponents of such measures are donating?

I'm not sure who is supposed to investigate things like this, but it appears an investigation is warranted.

Our Story: Why We Say No to Amendment 2

2008-10-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Another great ad opposing Amendment 2...

Bob Graham Opposes Amendment 2

2008-10-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

Yet another reason to love the former governor:

Florida’s popular former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham has announced his opposition Amendment 2. He joins more than 200 prominent leaders and organizations on Florida Red & Blue’s Advisory Board against the so-called “Florida Marriage Protection Amendment.”

Renowned for his trademark “workdays,” ranging from serving as a busboy and a construction worker to a railroad engineer or a teacher, Graham served as Florida’s governor from 1979 to 1987 and as the state’s U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2005, notably as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Since retiring from the Senate, Graham now concentrates his efforts on the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at his undergraduate alma mater, the University of Florida.

“The law of Florida defines marriage as an institution between one woman and one man,” said Graham. “It is not necessary to amend the state constitution to say it again. However, the words of Amendment 2 go beyond redundancy. They would terminate legal rights of unmarried couples, including elderly couples. Heterosexual domestic partners would lose health, pension, and visitation rights with potentially unanticipated, very negative consequences. Floridians know the laws and their rights today - Amendment 2 is too big a risk for our future.”

Why They're Wrong, Part 12

2008-10-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Waymon Hudson brings us news of the latest ad from the pro-Amendment 2 crowd:

Their big push is:

...built on the lie that Amendment 2 does "only one thing - defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman" and "no one loses benefits."

But what about the actual wording of the Amendment, that says:

Inasmuch as a marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.

This ad ignores they key part of the Amendment, the "substantial equivalent" language, which clearly goes beyond marriage (hence the word "or" before it) and we all know that similar laws in other states have denied and taken away rights. Amendment 2 supporters won't come out and say this because they know they'll lose if they do, so they lie. Shameful.

Fourteen Major Florida Dailies Recommend Voting "No"

2008-10-15T12:32:00.001-07:00

Amendment 2, the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment, needs to garner 60 percent of the vote to pass but the more significant point spread deciding its fate may be 14 to 0. That's the current count of major Florida newspapers recommending readers vote "no" on the amendment versus newspaper editorials urging its adoption.

This past weekend the Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald Tribune joined the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Florida Times-Union, Florida Today, Northwest Florida Daily News, Ocala Star Banner, Orlando Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, St. Petersburg Times, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, South Florida News-Press, Tallahassee Democrat and Tampa Tribune in opposition.

In its recommendation, the Miami Herald noted, "The amendment threatens the property rights of elderly people who live together for convenience, economics and safety… The amendment doesn't protect marriage and threatens many lifestyle choices."

On its opinion pages, the Sarasota Herald Tribune urged readers to vote no arguing “…Amendment 2 would be a monument to exclusion and a barrier to tolerance."

"This amendment will undermine the ability of people in Florida to protect themselves."

2008-10-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Financial expert Suze Orman, named by Time magazine earlier this year as one of The World's 100 Most Influential People, is urging Florida voters to vote no on Amendment 2, the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment.

The CNBC financial advice show host and New York Times mega bestselling author of such books as Women & Money points to the dangerous consequences passage of the amendment could have on women's rights and financial security.

"My life's work has been to help people, particularly women, take responsibility for their own financial security," Orman said. "This amendment will undermine the ability of people in Florida to protect themselves."

Written in vague and undefined language, Amendment 2 could have dramatic consequences for Florida’s committed adults who form domestic partnerships, including unmarried seniors, eliminating their ability to share important health care and pension benefits.

Noting the possible consequences of the amendment's passage on seniors, Orman said, "Many seniors choose not to marry again to keep financial benefits such as pensions from earlier marriages. Passage of Amendment 2 could threaten these essential resources that help them stay out of poverty."

A two-time Emmy Award winning television host, Orman is a certified financial planner™ professional who directed the Suze Orman Financial Group from 1987-1997, served as Vice President of Investments for Prudential Bache Securities from 1983-87, and from 1980-83 was an Account Executive at Merrill Lynch.

"We thank Suze Orman for adding her voice to that of Florida CFO Alex Sink and other financial leaders who recognize the negative financial impact the amendment could have on this state and its citizens,” said Michael Kenny, deputy campaign manager of Florida Red & Blue, the bi-partisan, statewide organization running the SayNo2 campaign opposing Amendment 2.

Michael Schiavo On Amendment 2

2008-10-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

We all remember the Terri Schiavo case, where Republicans in Florida and Congress proved they care nothing about family values, the sanctity of marriage, the rule of law or the right to privacy. Many of the same people are promoting the so-called "marriage protection" amendment in Florida. Terri's husband rightfully takes aim at the hypocrisy:

Visit Progress Florida and sign the pledge to vote against Amendment 2.

From the Blogs

2008-10-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

Pensito Review: Florida’s Marriage Protection Amendment: Why Invite the Government Into Private Matters?

BlueHerald 2.0: Say No to Florida’s Amendment 2

Ybor City Stogie: Say No 2 Florida's Amendment 2

Incertus (Brian): Speaking of Amendment 2

Deep Something: Courage In The Face of Hate

Pensito Review (Trish): Sykes: Don’t Blame Gays for Your Marriage Being Effed Up

Incertus (Brian): Mike Mayo on same-sex marriage

Pam's House Blend: FL: Orlando Magic's owner gives $100K in support of marriage amendment

Andrew Sullivan: Sex Advice And Marriage Equality

Queerty: Floridian Activists Release "No On 2" Commercial

Joe.My.God.: Say No 2 Hate In Florida

Towelroad: Towleroad Guide to the Tube #371

PageOneQ: Florida's No On 2 campaign releases new commercial

Nightlifegay: Vote No On Amendment 2

Penguins Judge: What does amendment 2 say?

St. Pete Council Afraid to Take A Stand

2008-10-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

You can do better than this:

Former City Council member John "Jay" Lasita asked the council to adopt a resolution Thursday against Amendment 2, the so-called gay marriage ban before voters this November.

It didn't go over very well. Not one council member supported putting the resolution to a vote.

Council members, even those who oppose the measure, said voters could take the resolution the wrong way.

If you are bigots, come out and admit it. If not, stand up and do the right thing.

Connecticut Does the Right Thing

2008-10-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

Bark Bark Woof Woof:

Connecticut State Supreme Court Overturns Ban on Same-Sex Marriage...

This is great news. That makes three: Massachusetts, California, and now Connecticut.

Stand by for the usual howls from the Orcosphere about "activist judges" -- who were just doing their job -- and you can bet that this will be injected into the presidential campaign if it hasn't been already as I type this. And I have a feeling this ruling will be used on both sides of the campaign here in Florida on Amendment 2.

But the march to equality for all citizens goes on, and all the consternation and monkeyhouse from the homophobes only proves that we are on the way.

Doing the Right Thing

2008-10-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

Cities of West Palm Beach and Lake Worth Commissions oppose Amendment 2, the so-called "Florida Marriage Protection Amendment."

Following the City of West Palm Beach Commission’s vote on October 6, Mayor Lois Frankel said, "West Palm Beach was the first city in Florida to provide domestic partner benefits for families of city employees. This policy has served our City well, without controversy or detriment. The passage of Amendment 2 would be a step backwards in the advancement of the health and security of Florida's citizens."

The Lake Worth City Commission also passed a resolution October 7 strongly opposing Amendment 2.

"Lake Worth provides health insurance for the domestic partners of city employees," said Lake Worth City Commissioner Dave Vespo. "Unless Florida voters defeat Amendment 2, health insurance and other benefits could be taken away from the families of our employees."

Both resolutions were introduced at the request of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

"It is not just public employees who will be hurt if Amendment 2 is not defeated," said Palm Beach County Human Rights Council President Rand Hoch. "Amendment 2 may needlessly place our seniors at risk as well."

Tony Perkins Rears His Ugly Head

2008-10-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Among the other lies in the video, Perkins says: “Amendment 2 does one thing and one thing alone. It defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman.”

The Florida legislature says otherwise: "(The Amendment) adds a new prohibition for unions that are ‘the substantial equivalent' of marriage. The amendment provides no definition for the phrase ‘substantial equivalent thereof,' which lends to the ambiguity of the wording of the proposed amendment."

Do the Rights Thing

2008-10-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Fight Amendment 2:

First Ad Up from Say No 2

2008-10-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

154 Lawyers Oppose Amendment 2

2008-10-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Fellow Floridians:

We, the undersigned Florida attorneys, sign this letter to publicly share our concerns about the vague language and potentially damaging consequences of the proposed Constitutional Amendment 2 and urge our fellow Floridians to join us in opposing its inclusion in the Florida Constitution. Amendment 2 is called the “Florida Marriage Protection Amendment” and is often referred to by the media as a “gay marriage ban.” The proposed amendment is:

"Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."

Florida Law Already Prohibits Same-Sex Marriage

References to ‘marriage protection’ or ‘gay marriage bans’ are misleading as four existing Florida statues [FS 741.212 (1), 741.212 (2), 741.212 (3) and 741.04] already define marriage as the union of a man and a woman or otherwise prohibit the creation or recognition of ‘same-sex marriages.’ The legality or recognition of ‘same-sex’ unions in Florida will be no more or less illegal in Florida regardless of the outcome of the proposed amendment.

Ambiguity in Amendment Language Will Likely Result in Unanticipated and Serious Economic and Legal Repercussions

Our chief concern is the section of the proposed amendment which states: “…no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.”

We agree with the 2006 report of the Florida Legislative Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) which concluded: “The amendment provides no definition for the phrase ‘substantial equivalent thereof,' which lends to the ambiguity of the wording of the proposed amendment.”

Adding such vague, untested and undefined language is likely to deliver unanticipated repercussions and could substantially alter our state both economically and legally. Quoting the EDR report on Amendment 2 again, it warns, "Depending on actions taken by the Legislature, the courts, and Florida businesses, financial obligations between individuals are expected to change in complex ways…”

Potential Loss of Existing Legal Protections and Benefits for All Floridians.

* Alimony: In 2005, the State Legislature adopted new law designed to prevent a loophole where a former spouse receiving permanent alimony opts to cohabitate with a new partner rather than remarrying and continues to receive permanent alimony. Under this relatively new divorce law, a former spouse’s alimony obligation may terminate if the recipient spouse enters into a “supportive relationship” with another person. Florida case law defines a supportive relationship as one that provides “support equivalent to marriage”. Clearly, “support equivalent to marriage” is dangerously similar to “substantial equivalent to marriage”. The portion of Florida Statute 61.14 recognizing a relationship providing “support equivalent to marriage” could be held unconstitutional under Amendment 2. As a result, every former spouse who is either Court Ordered or who signed an agreement to pay permanent alimony could be required to continue paying alimony despite the fact that the receiving spouse has found a new partner. At the very least, these individuals will face a costly Court battle trying to uphold their agreements and to terminate their alimony obligations.

* Domestic Violence Protection: Other potential impacts include using Amendment 2 as a defense to domestic violence on an unmarried partner (a similar amendment was used as a domestic violence defense in Ohio). Quoting the EDR again, "By invalidating any union or ‘substantial equivalent thereof,' this amendment could be raised as a defense in domestic violence cases, resulting in fewer domestic violence convictions."

* Private Property Arrangements and Estate Planning: Without examining every potential consequence in great detail, it is possible that Amendment 2 could also have profound implications on the ability of citizens to share property or pass on assets, establish trusts or other legal arrangements or even remarry. Especially likely to be impacted by this outcome are Florida’s senior citizens and retirees who remain unmarried by choice and share pension benefits or other government benefits they have earned.

* Domestic Partnership Registries: This vague and broad language could also risk termination of the several established domestic partnership registries which are currently accessible to millions of Floridians. These registries allow unmarried Floridians to share benefits or other protections such as hospital visitation, burial rights and health care benefits. The non-partisan and independent EDR report again sites this concern in finding: “If domestic partnership registries are deemed substantially equivalent to marriage, their termination could place registrants at risk of losing specified rights and benefits, such as those related to health insurance."

While no one can know the full impact of the proposed amendment, litigation will result as vested interests challenge shared health plans, defend domestic abusers or governments seek clarity to the undefined language in the proposal. Even if every warning and potential outcome proves unfounded, the years of uncertainty and sheer legal expenses would be costly and unnecessary. As attorneys, our legal education and experience make us hesitant to support the vague and untested language in Amendment 2. Adding such a provision to our Constitution is unwise, especially when adopting the amendment will not alter our state’s current laws banning ‘same-sex marriage.’

As Floridians, we are concerned by the range of impacts Amendment 2 could have on us and our neighbors. It’s simply not worth risk that Amendment 2 could take away existing legal protections and benefits from even a single Floridian.

Accordingly, we strongly oppose the adoption of Amendment 2 and ask our legal colleagues and all Florida voters to join us in speaking out and voting against this dangerous provision. With regards and thanks for your attention.

Ramon Abadin
Lawrence Abramson
David Ackley
W. Cleveland Acree, II
Angie Angelis
Mary Merrell Bailey
Greg Baldwin
Patricia Baloyra
Lori Barkus
Jeff Battista
David Jay Bernstein
Margaret Bettenhausen
Garry Bevel
Brian Bilzin
Michael Birnholz
Edward Blaisdell
Jonathan Blecher
Stacy Borisov
Susan Bozorgi
Rutledge Bradford
Mark Brandt
Nancy Brodzki
Kenneth Bryk
Jeffrey Buak
Peggy Smith Bush
O. Kim Byrd
Taysha Carmody
Jerry Chasen
Edward Conrad-Waggoner
Leslie Cooney
Eric Copeland
Penelope Crandall
Earl Crittenden
Chad Cronon
Thomas Cushman
Talbot D'Alemberte
David da Silva Cornell
Patrick Daugherty
Jacqueline Kelley Davis
Shelbi Day
Deirdre Dibiaggio
Roger Dodd
Karen M. Doering
Michael Dolce
Robert Dougherty
D. Michael Elkins
Sarah Engel
Michael Feiler
David Finkelstein, Attorney and CPA
Beth Fountain
Fredrick "Rick" Freedman
Rick Freedman
Ellen Freidin
Jaime Generazzo
Judd Goldberg
Michael Gongora
David Goroff
Mark Grant
Sandra Greenblatt
Ron Gunzburger
Robert Hasty
William Hill
Donald Hinkle
Mary Hoftiezer
Patrick Howell
Yosbel Ibarra
Harry Jacobs
Russell Jacobs
Kathryn Kasprzak
Ken Keechl
Kristyne Kennedy
Georg Ketelhohn
Robert Kohlman
Judith Koons
Joel Kopelman
Jeremy Korch
John Kozyak
Benedict P. Kuehne
Edward Lack
Stephan Lampasso
Shawn Libman
Peter Lichtman
Joanne Linley
Lisa London
John Lord, Jr.
Sheryl Lowenthal
Wallace Magathan
Chris Mancini
Shana Manuel
David Marko
Lee Marks
Yery Marrero
Michele Martin
Natalie Maxwell
Liz McCausland
Blaine McChesney
Nicole McLaren
Carrington Mead
Mary Meeks
Jeffrey Miller
Richard Milstein
Sa Mollica
Regine Monestime
Michael Morris
Gregg Morton
Anthony Niedwiecki
Anne O'Berry
Lynn Overmann
Patsy Palmer
Marshall Pasternack
Andrew Patten
Richard Pettigrew
Laura Pichardo
Lorene L. Clemans Powell
Sam Rabin
Brett Rahall
Oliver Ramos
Patricia Rathburn
Mycki Ratzan
Gary Resnick
Philip Richardson
Miriam Richter
Joel Robrish
Robert Rossano
John Ruffier
John Ruffier
Mauro Santos
David Schauer
Scott Schlegel
Warren S. Schwartz
Mark Scott
Joseph Seagle
Larry Smith
Scott Sokol
Neal Sonnett
Kelly Spegon
Robert Spohrer
Helen Spohrer
Carey Stiss
Kimarie Stratos
John Sumberg
Matthew Tabakman
Jeremy Thompson
Jonas Urba
Matthew Walker
Philip Wallace
Peter Wallace
Roberta Watson
James Weinkle
Patricia Welles
Crystal Whitescarver
Mitchell Widom
Marva Wiley
Camille Worsnop

“Voter’s Speak Out” Tour Schedule

2008-10-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hit one of these local events to learn what you can do to help fight with Amendment 2:

Tallahassee
Thursday, October 9 at 11 a.m.
Florida Press Center
336 E. College Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Jacksonville
Monday, October 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Florida Coastal School of Law - Atrium
877 Baypine Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32256

Gainesville
Monday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Santa Fe College
Center for Innovation and Economic Development
530 University Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601

Orlando
Tuesday, October 14 at 10:45 a.m.
Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex (Maple Room)
99 East Marks St.

Tampa/St. Petersburg
Wednesday, October 15 at 11 a.m.
Sunshine Senior Center
330 5th St N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Naples/Ft. Myers
Thursday, October 16
TBA

West Palm Beach
Monday, October 20 at 1 p.m.
Palm Beach Community College
Duncan Theatre Stage West
4200 Congress Ave.
Lake Worth, FL 33461

Miami
Tuesday, October 21
TBA

Recent Updates

2008-10-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

From Florida Red & Blue:

The Mayor and City Commission of West Palm Beach voted unanimously on Oct. 6. West Palm Beach was the first city in Florida to provide domestic partner benefits for families of city employees.

City of Miami Commission voted on September 11, three weeks after Miami-Dade County officially opened Florida’s largest registry for domestic partners.

The Broward County School Board voted on September 9, in a resolution that noted “the loss of domestic partner benefits could cause great harm to the education of the children of Broward County, as many BCSB employees would be forced to leave Florida and seek employment providing said benefits.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, the state's largest health insurer, opposes Amendment 2 predicting a major impact on its ability to provide benefits.

The Hispanic community is making its voice heard and prominent leaders who have declared their opposition to the Amendment include: City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors; Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior member of the Florida Congressional Delegation; Luis Garcia, Jr., member of the Florida House of Representatives; and Miami-Dade Commissioners Bruno Barreiro and Carlos Gimenez.

Live Amendment 2 Town Hall This Tuesday

2008-10-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Location: Your living room. Seriously. check out the details here. Sponsored by ACLU and hosted by Derek Newton of Florida Red and Blue.

Wisdom from the Other Side

2008-10-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

From comments at the News Herald:

However, I do feel that homosexuality is not natural, and part of being human, like all species, is to procreate, thus carrying on our existence. Still, I feel that enough humans will follow their natural, primitive instinct, and indulge in normal sexual relations, such that we should not be threatened by self genocide, or a STD epidemic.

...

Passage of this law enforces the Utilitarianism philosophy of "the greatest good for the greatest amount of people." Can any society survive while penalizing the majority of it's citizens for the benefit of a small minority?

...

While I agree homosexuals can raise heterosexual children, their view of the world is twisted. The have social adjustment problems that can't be fixed. Heterosexual children will socially reject them due to their homelife in many cases.

...

It is bad enough that homosexuals have taken over the entertainment industry and every day we are subjected to programs that promote homosexuality as a perfectly normal, moral way to live.

...

Marriage is not a civil law. It is religious law. Government records marriage. It did not nor can it ever redefine it. It is an absolute violation of the Constitution. The Bible is the ultimate authority on marriage and it is very clear where homosexuals stand on the issue.

...

In voting yes on Ammendment 2, you are ensuring the moral values of America have a chance of survival.

...

We are going to protect our children from the influence of homosexuality being presented as a perfectly legitimate normal lifestyle. Years and years of research on this issue have shown that it is a life choice made early in life.

Voices: Clay Harris

2008-10-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hard to argue with this:

Beware, as well, unintended consequences. If Amendment 2 had the effect of forbidding employers from voluntarily extending rights to unmarried couples, as it well could be, that will only mean that jobs that could have come to Florida will go to other jurisdictions that do not discriminate. It's a competitive world.

And I suspect that it will take only one tragic story of a visiting couple who are legally hitched somewhere else - Canada, say, or several U.S. states and many European countries - being refused hospital visiting rights as a matter of law to deal a huge blow to the tourism industry. But it will be in the constitution by then and the damage will be difficult to undo.

Doing the Right Thing

2008-10-06T20:03:00.001-07:00

UCF student senate opposes Amendment 2.