Post by Logan on Feb 8, 2016 3:37:23 GMT -6
TALLAHASSEE — When it comes to LGBT issues, Florida's Republican lawmakers are known more for trying to keep transgender people out of bathrooms, protect pastors from marrying same-sex couples and seek exemptions for private adoption agencies who don't want to place children with gay and lesbian couples.
But this year, some Republican lawmakers are backing a bill that would give lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents the protection against discrimination.
"It's a breakthrough for the South. It's of huge significance that a Southern state — the third largest in the country — is taking this up. It is the first time that a Southern legislature will be contemplating passage of a bill that affirms rights, not takes them away," said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida.
In a sign that Republican attitudes on LGBT issues are shifting, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider the bill during a meeting today. Similar measures have been filed for about a decade and neither chamber of the Republican-dominated Legislature has given it a hearing until now.
Read more: www.gainesville.com/article/20160207/WIRE/160209730/1182?Title=Lawmakers-consider-LGBT-anti-discrimination-bill-
But this year, some Republican lawmakers are backing a bill that would give lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents the protection against discrimination.
"It's a breakthrough for the South. It's of huge significance that a Southern state — the third largest in the country — is taking this up. It is the first time that a Southern legislature will be contemplating passage of a bill that affirms rights, not takes them away," said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida.
In a sign that Republican attitudes on LGBT issues are shifting, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider the bill during a meeting today. Similar measures have been filed for about a decade and neither chamber of the Republican-dominated Legislature has given it a hearing until now.
Read more: www.gainesville.com/article/20160207/WIRE/160209730/1182?Title=Lawmakers-consider-LGBT-anti-discrimination-bill-