The Hate Agenda

Sunday, March 29, 2009

From the Blogs

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

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

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

From the Rally in Tally (other speakers included):

More (including legislative priorities for Equality Florida):

Brandenburg Sponsor's Legislation to End Gay Adoption Ban

“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.