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Orlando Tops List of Pro-Equality Cities in Florida. New National Report Ranks LGBT Legal Protections. WASHINGTON-- Orlando, Miami and Tampa are ranked as the top three cities for protecting the rights of gay and transgender Floridians while Jacksonville comes in a distant last, according to a new national report card issued this week. 

By now we all know that every one of our votes is going to matter next Tuesday.  But do you have the information to make sure you get to vote?  Regular Equality Florida volunteer, Terry Lowman provided the ACLU website, Know Your Rights as a great guide for information on polling places, required ID, your voter registration status, early voting etc.

Tonight by a vote of 17 to 2, the Jacksonville City Council voted to reject bill 2012-296 - a fully-inclusive measure that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s Human Rights Ordinance (HRO).

Tonight voters elected our first out gay state legislator in Florida's history! David Richardson was elected to the Florida House in District 113, representing Miami Beach. No Republicans entered the race so David's victory in the Democratic primary and edged out three opponents to claim the seat.

Orange County voters delivered a victory for Joe Saunders in the House District 49 race. Joe is one giant step closer to becoming the first out gay person ever elected to state office. We're still anxiously awaiting results for David Richardson...stay tuned. Check out Joe's entrance to his victory party

One hour before the polls close, Team Joe has left no door unknocked and no phone unrung. Joe sends a personal shout out to the EQFL volunteers, donors, and supporters who have been with him the whole way.

After provoking a national backlash with her comments about black lesbians, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll has refused to apologize. Her silence has prompted a national petition drive launched today to keep the pressure on.

Please take a moment to watch this special public policy update. This year we face unprecedented opportunities - and unprecedented challenges.

 

 

Ten municipalities in eight months move to model City of Orlando registry The Orange County Commission has voted to create a countywide domestic partnership registry that will provide vital legal protections for gay couples and unmarried straight partners. Amidst a sea of red shirts, worn by the crowd in support of the ordinance, the measure passed by a 6-1 vote. ‎"We are doing something groundbreaking and providing important rights across the board", said Mayor Teresa Jacobs before voting for the registry.

This isn't the first time the NAACP has stepped out on principle for an issue that affects the lives of LGBT people. Nor is it the first time they will experience a predictable, orchestrated backlash. Those of us celebrating their decision to support marriage equality must now also step up on the organizations behalf.

Join Equality Florida, elderSource, and the Task Force for LGBT Elders in Northeast Florida for a special screening of  Gen Silent A critically-acclaimed documentary following the lives of six Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) elders as they face the challenges of aging.

  By a 5-0 vote, the Gulfport City Council became the first city in Pinellas County to adopt a Domestic Partnership Registry. A capcity crowd overflowed into the lobby to watch the proceedings on televison. Speaker after speaker called on Gulfport to continue its tradition of supporting equality for LGBT residents.  The mayor agreed to hold a public signing tomorrow Wednesday May 16th at 9AM at city council chambers.

Next Thursday, the Volusia County Council will cast their final vote on whether to adopt a Domestic Partnership Registry. Last month they voted unanimously to move forward and it's critical that we let the Volusia County Council that we're standing with them!

In an exclusive interview today with ABC News' Robin Roberts, President Obama clearly stated he now supports the right for same-sex couples to marry.