Gay Rights Fuels Hot Debate April 17: Gay rights clashed with religious freedom at the Orlando City Hall, several hundred people had come to support or denounce the idea of protecting homosexuals from discrimination. One resident Carl Johnson, said the law is an obvious necessity. Johnson had been given a glowing performance evaluation and a pay raise. But, when his boss asked a co-worker whom Johnson would be bringing to a company party. His co-worker's answer sealed his fate: "I assume he's bringing his partner." Johnson was soon fired without explanation. Many other speakers repeated stories similar to Johnson's. Other speakers, including Rev. Jim Perry, the proposal is an insult to Christian faith. Rev. Perry said that, "Adding "sexual orientation" to the list would be legalizing sin," |
Orlando Sentinel Series: COMING OUT, BLENDING IN Orlando Welcomes gays -- Sort Of. Central Florida is accepting and tolerant of gays -- so long as they aren't overt and obvious. Gays' Economic Clout Leaves Stamp on City. Central Florida's sizable gay population packs significant economic clout. Gays Have Yet to Flex Political Muscle. Gays moving to Central Florida expect to find a vibrant, politically active community. But, what they find is a passive, splintered community often at odds with itself. Orlando Sentinel Photo Gallery of Gay Orlando. |
Eye on GLBT FL News Archives |
Florida Ban on Gay AdoptionNews Archives ACLU Seeks New Ruling in Florida Adoption Ban Case. September 6, 2001: Angers, Sadness Greets Adoption Ruling. August 31, 2001: Judge Rules Gay Adoption Ban Valid. August 30, 2001: Foster Parent Challenges State Ban on Gay Adoption. August 1, 2001: Florida's Ban on Gay Adoption Faces Tough Test. June 4, 2001. |
TBC GLBT Florids News & Headlines Archives Broward's Teacher of the Year tackles Tough Issues and Her Sexuality. March 5, 2002. A Lesson on Honesty From No. 1 Teacher. March 5, 2002. Janet Reno on Tour and Openly Courts Gay Voters. March 2, 2002. School Board Says No to Training Partnership With Gay-Lesbian Group and Yes to Pay $ 190,000. in Legal Fees to Boy Scouts. October 17, 2002. Miami Beach Officials Widely Support Gay Rights Ordinance. January 28, 2001. Ft. Lauderdale to Add Gays to Anti-Bias Work Policy. January 24, 2001. Being Gay Has Nothing to do With Pedophilia. January 10, 2001. Metro Dade Officer Arrested on Forced Sex Charges. August 30, 2001: Tips on Finding Gay Friendly Lodgings. August 29, 2001: |
Broward County Gay Rights News Archives Americans for Equality Protector of Gay-Rights in Broward County. October 18, 2001. Broward Anti-Gay Rights Rollback Group Accused Of Illegal Tactics. September 3, 2001: The Gay Rights Battle is Heating up in Broward County. August 24, 2001: Dade faces suit over petitions. August 17, 2001: Broward anti-gay group braces for final siege. August 4, 2001: South Florida Pro-Gay Rights Web Site Online. July 1, 2001: |
Boy Scouts & Gay Activists News Archives 2001. Gay Discrimination Pays Off for Boy Scouts @ $200,000. December 19th. End Scouts' discriminatory policy against gay men. August 4th: South Florida Scout exec: We're strong as ever. August 4th: Dialogue between gays, Scouts greeted with hope. August 2nd: |
Gay Survivor's Sept. 11th Tale of Tragedy is Bogus Patric Henn filed a relief claim with the American Red Cross, petitioned a New York gay rights group and telephoned a Wilton Manors gay-community newspaper to share the story of his domestic partner who had died in the World Trade Center. Henn parlayed his survivor's story into at least $25,000 in aid, but, holes in his story prompted a months-long investigation by The Express newspaper. As attempts by the Express, to corroborate Henn's story, it began to unravel, there was no record for a man with the name, birth date or Social Security number of Henn's alleged partner, Jeff John Andersen. The Red Cross is reviewing his claim and New York City Police are investigating him. Henn is among the more than 100 people under investigation around the country for allegedly bilking charities out of more than $1 million in aid earmarked for World Trade Center relief. |
Rights of Miami's Gays Under Threat South Beach, is known world-wide, is home to one of the largest gay communities in the US and is the flagship of Miami's open and most tolerant atmosphere. Beach bars and restaurants of Miami's Ocean Drive are packed, music flows from open topped cars and streets are filled with tanned people. But, come September, this may dramaticly change. Miami-Dade county residents of Miami-Dade will go to the polls to decide whether to abolish human rights for homosexuals. The right-wing organisation, the Christian Coalition, hope that voters will strip homosexuals of existing rights gained back in 1998. The vote is to have the words "sexual orientation" removed from the local Human Rights Ordinance. Thus, it will allow for homosexuals and those who may be homosexual to be discriminated in employment, housing and in insurance coverage. The Christian Coalition have their roots in Little Havana, a poor and predominantly Cuban-American neighbourhood near down-town Miami. Where many of the people here feel bitter about the comparatively wealthy and predominantly gay neighbourhoods. They have accused homosexuals of taking advantage of their current legal position and of gaining financially from their campaign to block the repeal. Yet, are unable to supply any evidence or site specific examples to back their accusations. They denied the existence of homophobia within the community and this refutes the need for protective g. |
Heat On For Scouts April 3: Air conditioning giant Carrier Corp. has turned up the heat on the Boy Scouts. Carrier has ended its support for a fundraising dinner that supports upstate New York scout troops. Last year, the company was responsible for combined donations and corporate dinner ticket sales of $42,025. |
Keys Assault on Gay Couple Raises Worries April 8: Rob Riley left Key West with a broken nose, because he's gay. Rob was vacationing here with his partner of five years, Dan Haakon, walking hand in hand in front of the nightclub, three young men verbally assaulted Rob and Dan. When Rob, 38, told the young men to mind their own business, one of them punched him in the nose and kept swinging. |
Bush Blasts Republican Group for Using Name to Attack Reno Gov. Jeb Bush publicly blasted and strongly repudiated the group run by a Republican, calling itself "Americans For Bush." The group has suggested Janet Reno has gay tendencies and made it possible for terrorists to attack the United States. The group used mailings and a Website to raise money to attack FL Gov. Candidate, Reno. |
Rosie Responds to Signorile Article on Her, "He is a Moron" (This is not related to Gay Adoptions, but, it is abut Rosie, so what the hey.) Michelangelo (Mike) Signorile penned an article about Rosie's coming-out. I found it to be insultingly unflatering. I thought to myself, who asked you for your opinion anyway? I was taught, if you can't say something nice, then keep your two cents to yourself. Thatis of course, unless what is said adverseley effects others. Well, Rosie was asked her thoughts on Signorile's article. "He is a Moron" among a few other thoughts she had. |
Poll Shows More Americans Support Gay Adoption April 2: The educated and young show the most support. Those who are in support of same-sex adoption have now outnumber opponents, if only slightly, for the first time in 10 years of polling on the subject. Forty-seven percent think gay couples should be legally permitted to adopt while slightly fewer, 42 percent, disagree. Poll Results & Breakdown. |
Vote.Com Results as of: April 6: 60,524 Votes 41,331 Yes @ 69% 19,193 No @ 32% View Results Click Here. |
Vote.Com Results as of: March 27: 39,940 Votes 39,940 Yes @ 77% 8,117 No @ 23% View Results Click Here. |
Cameron Responds To Attack On His Work By ABC's PrimeTime Mar 21: Homophobe Paul Cameron of Family Research Institute sets the record straight on gay adoptions, or as least as this bigoted homophobic idiot see's it that is. |
Rosie's Outing Shines the Light on Gay Adoption Mar 22: Some 100,000 e-mails have flooded state offices in Florida since Rosie came out recently as a lesbian, arguing the state should throw out its law banning adoptions by gays. |
Rosie Gets Rave Reviews for Message on Gay Adoption Mar 24: ABC have received more feedback from that segment than any other, over 900,000 hits on our [online] message board. The bulk of comments have been positive. Related Article St Petersburg Times: Gay Adoptions in Florida, It's Out of the Question. |
Rosie O'Donnell Disavows Oscar-Nominated Film Mar 20: Rosie wants her name and voice removed Oscar-nominated documentary after she learned filmmakers are involved in a group described as a homophobic cult. |
Ex-legislators Renounce Ban on Gay Adoptions They Passed in 1977 Florida's ban on gay adoption, under scrutiny in federal court, being criticized by some of the politicians who made it law. "The hysteria of the times led us to do the wrong thing," said Elaine Bloom, a former legislator from Miami Beach who voted in favor of the ban in 1977 at the height of singer/activist Anita Bryant's crusade against gay rights. |
Rosie Takes Gay Adoption Push to Legislators Via the Newspapers. Mar 21: Open letter to lawmakers urges them not to pass ban. The letter from Roasie wasn't delivered by fax, email or snail mail. Her message delivered to legislators via the Tallahassee Democrat, The Miami Herald, South Florida Sun- Sentinel and the Orlando Sentinel, in full page newspaper ads. Rosie invested some capitol in getting her message out, it has been reported the The Miami Herald ad alone, was $35,000. |
ACLU Fights Florida's Ban on Gay Adoptions Mar 15: Touting support from talk-show host Rosie O'Donnell and thousands of Floridians, opponents of state ban on adoptions by gays and lesbians called on Gov. Jeb Bush and lawmakers Thursday to repeal the law. "This law is going to come down." said Matt Coles, national director of Lesbian and Gay Rights Project at ACLU. |
Anita Bryant's "Save Our Children" news conferences she is zapped by a pie-wielding gay activist.View video clip. [Video Clip Credit PlanetOut Popcorn Cinema.] |
Anti-Gay Family Research Council Attack Rosie Mar 14: Gay Adoptions Opponents waste little time with their Rosie v. the Facts About Gay Adoption campaign of spreading disinformation. |
Florida Capitol News 2002 Legislature Session Mar 15: An e-mail campaign directed at Bush and the state's adoption agency has generated 80,000 messages, including about 10,000 from Florida. |
Activists Press War Gay Adoption Ban. Mar 14: Activists who want to change the law are hoping the television special and a fervent public education campaign, will bring Floridians in the middle over to their side. |
Please, click the banner above to visit Steve, Roger and their kids website. Learn about their struggle to keep their family together. Find out what you can do to help Bert, remain apart of the only family he knows. The family who raised, loves and cares ever so much for him. Won't you support and add your voice with the thousands and thousands shouting "Let Him Stay". April 17: Message from ACLU in responce to my message and information on the next phase in the fight to have the gay adoption ban in Florida repealed. For TBC Eye on Florida's Gay Adoption News Click Here or for Menu Click Here. |
Special Prosecutor Appointed to Review Miami-Dade Gay Rights Dispute Mar 15: Gov. Jeb Bush removed Miami-Dade County State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and her office from an investigation of opponents of county's gay rights amendment. An executive order signed this week, Bush appointed a special prosecutor to look into complaints that Take Back Miami-Dade fraudulently obtained signatures on its petitions. |
Media Statements and Action Alerts TBC Take Action Alert ~ CNN Poll Gay Adoption. American Infertility Association on Gay Adoption. HRC ~ Urge FL Lawmakers Lift Gay Adoption Ban. |
Not Wanted: Gay Parents Mar 14: Three states ban gays or same-sex couples from adopting children. Generation ago, the former beauty queen Anita Bryant put national spotlight on Florida's gay rights. She led a successful crusade to overturn a Miami ordinance banning discrimination against gays. |
ABC 20/20: Coming of Age with Gay Parent's Mar 9, 2001: More and more children are facing the world with "Two Moms Or Two Dads". Danielle Silber says she has two mothers and two fathers. Emma and Camille Seitz-Cherner have two fathers. Danielle, Emma, and Camille are part of the "gaybe boom," a generation of kids raised by gay parents. |
Rosie O'Donnell Talks About Being a Gay Mom on ABCNEWS 'PrimeTime' March 14: Rosie O'Donnell doesn't care whether the world knows that she's gay. But she does want everyone to know that she is a gay mother of, Parker, 6, Chelsea, 4, and Blake, 2. She talked about her experiences as a gay parent publicly for the first time with, hoping to bring attention to the issue of gay adoption and the Florida law that prevents gay couples from adopting. "I wanted there to be a reason" to talk about her sexuality, she says. When she learned about a Florida gay parenting case and has made it her cause. Steve Lofton and Roger Croteau's family. |
Principal Tells Parents Students Want to Form Gay-Straight Alliance Club. December 17: The principal of Pensacola, FL, Escambia High School, Delores Morrisa admits she does not meet with parents about clubs at the school. But, she does intend to discuss this clun with parents or guardians of the 40 students who are petitioning to organize a Gay-Straight Alliance. Morris defended her action saying "Teachers should call any time they are going to involve a child in something that might embarrass the family," |
Miami Mayor Urges End To Anti-Gay Initiative December 21: Miami-Dade Mayor, Alex Penelas wants the conservative Christian group to drop bid to overturn the county's gay rights amendment. But, the anti-gay group Take Back Dade rebuffed the mayor's plea. The Gay rights group SAVE Dade said it is preparing for "all out war" to preserve the law. The Mayor fears that such a battle could deeply divide Miami residents and severely damage the tourist industry. December 21: Gay Protections Contract Talks Break Down. December 20: Gay Rights Repeal to Voters in September . Op~Ed: Anti-Gay Rights Drive Ignores Facts. |
Key Endorsement For Gay Adoption *Academy Of Pediatrics Gay Couples Can Raise Kids Well. *Opponents Lambaste Gay Unions As Being Anti-American. The A.A.P. says that gay couples provide the loving, stable and emotionally healthy family life children need, American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed homosexual adoption. Citing estimates of as many as 9 million U.S. children have at least one gay parent, the academy has urged it 55,000 members to take an active role supporting this measure that would allow homosexual adoption. Dr. Joseph Hagan Jr., chairman of the committee wrote the policy said, the new policy focuses specifically on gaining legally protected parental rights for gay co-parents whose partners have children, but could apply to gay couples who want to adopt a child together. |
Your Immediate Action Requested Florida Dignity For All Students Act Only Days Remain for it to be Heard. Please Read This Alert. |
FL Governor Jeb Bush Website Email Snail Mail PL 05 The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Telephone & Fax: 850/488-4441 Fax: 850/487-0801 |
Legislators's Bible Thumping May Help Gay Students February 20: Gay High School Students return to Florida Capitol, not detered by last years ambush by Rep. Allen Trovillion. This year, about 80, gay and lesbian students returned to the FL Capitol to support a measure by two Broward County legislators designed to protect them from harassment and abuse in public schools. Rep. Ken Gottlieb, one of the sponsors of the bill said, "How can we ask our students to go to school, get a good education, be productive and we can't ensure they will be safe and treated with dignity at all times?" Trovillion's tirade of hate last year, brought rebukes from lawmakers from Florida to Washington, helped bring the issue to the forefront. |
TBC Special News Section: The ups and downs of our Gay Students efforts to win passage of Dignity for all Students Act. Comprehensive coverage from the gay students ambush by Trovillion's Homophobic Tirade, our gay student activists and legislator hero's, check out our special section : *Gay Student Activists Hero Chris Vasquez. *Gay Students Lobbying Efforts to End Discrimination. *Trovillion Homophobic Tirade on 4/10/01 *Calls for Comdemnation of Rep.Trovillion. All the Ugly Details and GLBT Our Hero's |
Gov. Bush Pledges to Seek Hearing for Dignity for All Students Act Mar 8: During his "citizen office hours" held this weekend, FL Governor Jeb Bush issued a promise he will personally press for hearing on Dignity for All Students Act. His promise comes with only days left for the legislature to act on this critical school safety bill. Rep. Fred Brummer, chairs the State Administration committee must sign off on the proposal before it gets to the House Floor, has said there was no way he would let it be heard in his committee. With Governor Bush's pledge, if your thinking this is the answer to the prayers or a pledge he won't be able to back up. Either thought you may be having, Please, write to Governor Bush and express your strong support for his pledgeand for the Dignity for all Students Act. Time is of the essence, so do it today. fl_governor@myflorida.com. |
Florida Ban On Gay Adoption In Federal Court February 15: For the first time ever, a federal appeals court is weighing the constitutionality of banning gay adoption. In a 43-page brief filed Thursday at the U.S. Court of Appeals for 11th Circuit in Atlanta, the ACLU asked the appeals court to reverse the decision of a lower federal judge who dismissed the Constitutional challenge before it could reach a trial. |
A Tampa Bay Special News Report. By R. Zeke Fread Americans for Equality Protector of Gay-Rights in Broward County October 18: Anti-Gay Rights group Equal Rights Not Special attempts to recall Broward County's gay- inclusive nondiscrimination law fell short by several thousand signatures. The Miami Hearld reported the group turned in 66,243 signatures, which was above the required number of signatres. But, past history has shown in their zeal to strip us of our rights, truth and honesty are non-existent. Besides the usual deceptive explanation of the petitions purpose they offer to gain signatures, They do not verify registered voters and their petitions contain the same signatures over and over. Luckily, keeping this in mind, pro- gay rights groups keep pressure on election officials to verify signatures on these petitions. In Broward County, Empower Broward~Americans for Equality efforts not only suceeded in challaging the petitions and keeping constant pressure on the election officials to verify signatures. They deserve much credit in their efforts in public awareness of the deceptive tatics the group was using to deceive the public of the true purpose and contents of the petitions. This was rewarded in the number of people who refussed to sign the petitions, onec they understood it's true purpose. The final numbers were only 54,291 signatures declared to be valid , short by 7,852 of the 62,143 required. With the overage of 4,100 signatures, the total number of invalid signatures was 11,952. Albeit, the effort to have a special election to repeal the nondiscrimination law that is inclusive of gays, has failed. Surely, they will try again and they will be challanged as vigorously once again. Gay Communities across nation applaud Empower Broward~Americns for Equality for their dedication in fighting this attack on our rights, tireless efforts and for their great success. Without dedicated activists such as Empower Broward~Americans for Equality and others like them around the country. These well funded and supported arms of the Religious Rights, would chip away at all rights, protections and benefits that we have fought so very hard to obtain. They will succeed in their wish to push gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people back into the closet, deadbolt the doors and keep us in them forever. I for one, "Will not go quietly into that good dark closet", or grant them their wish. I intend to be one of their worst nightmares if they dare try to do so. Return to Broward County Gay Rights Battle News Section [Click Here] or for Menu [Click Here] Resources for this article. TBC News Archives |
Florida News Headlines Menu GLBT FL News Archives. [Go] |
Tampa Bay Coalition FYI File Florida Cities, Counties & Municipalities, Human Rights Laws or Ordinances Including GLBT's Rights. |
Tampa Bay Coalition FYI File Florida Cities, Counties & Municipalities, Human Rights Laws or Ordinances Including GLBT's Rights. |
Broward County Gay Rights Battle News Section |
Florida News Headlines Menu GLBT FL News Archives. [Go] |
Florids News & Headlines |
Florida Ban on Gay Adoption |
Boy Scouts & Gay Activists News |
A Tampa Bay Special News Report. By R. Zeke Fread Americans for Equality Protector of Gay-Rights in Broward County October 18: Anti-Gay Rights group Equal Rights Not Special attempts to recall Broward County's gay- inclusive nondiscrimination law fell short by several thousand signatures. The Miami Hearld reported the group turned in 66,243 signatures, which was above the required number of signatres. But, past history has shown in their zeal to strip us of our rights, truth and honesty are non-existent. Besides the usual deceptive explanation of the petitions purpose they offer to gain signatures, They do not verify registered voters and their petitions contain the same signatures over and over. Luckily, keeping this in mind, pro- gay rights groups keep pressure on election officials to verify signatures on these petitions. In Broward County, Empower Broward~Americans for Equality efforts not only suceeded in challaging the petitions and keeping constant pressure on the election officials to verify signatures. They deserve much credit in their efforts in public awareness of the deceptive tatics the group was using to deceive the public of the true purpose and contents of the petitions. This was rewarded in the number of people who refussed to sign the petitions, onec they understood it's true purpose. The final numbers were only 54,291 signatures declared to be valid , short by 7,852 of the 62,143 required. With the overage of 4,100 signatures, the total number of invalid signatures was 11,952. Albeit, the effort to have a special election to repeal the nondiscrimination law that is inclusive of gays, has failed. Surely, they will try again and they will be challanged as vigorously once again. Gay Communities across nation applaud Empower Broward~Americns for Equality for their dedication in fighting this attack on our rights, tireless efforts and for their great success. Without dedicated activists such as Empower Broward~Americans for Equality and others like them around the country. These well funded and supported arms of the Religious Rights, would chip away at all rights, protections and benefits that we have fought so very hard to obtain. They will succeed in their wish to push gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people back into the closet, deadbolt the doors and keep us in them forever. I for one, "Will not go quietly into that good dark closet", or grant them their wish. I intend to be one of their worst nightmares if they dare try to do so. Return to Broward County Gay Rights Battle News Section [Click Here] or for Menu [Click Here] Resources for this article. TBC News Archives |
Florida Ban On Gay Adoption In Federal Court February 15: For the first time ever, a federal appeals court is weighing the constitutionality of banning gay adoption. In a 43-page brief filed Thursday at the U.S. Court of Appeals for 11th Circuit in Atlanta, the ACLU asked the appeals court to reverse the decision of a lower federal judge who dismissed the Constitutional challenge before it could reach a trial. |
Florida Dignity for all Students Act & Students Rights News |
Gov. Bush Pledges to Seek Hearing for Dignity for All Students Act Mar 8: During his "citizen office hours" held this weekend, FL Governor Jeb Bush issued a promise he will personally press for hearing on Dignity for All Students Act. His promise comes with only days left for the legislature to act on this critical school safety bill. Rep. Fred Brummer, chairs the State Administration committee must sign off on the proposal before it gets to the House Floor, has said there was no way he would let it be heard in his committee. With Governor Bush's pledge, if your thinking this is the answer to the prayers or a pledge he won't be able to back up. Either thought you may be having, Please, write to Governor Bush and express your strong support for his pledgeand for the Dignity for all Students Act. Time is of the essence, so do it today. fl_governor@myflorida.com. |
TBC Special News Section: The ups and downs of our Gay Students efforts to win passage of Dignity for all Students Act. Comprehensive coverage from the gay students ambush by Trovillion's Homophobic Tirade, our gay student activists and legislator hero's, check out our special section : *Gay Student Activists Hero Chris Vasquez. *Gay Students Lobbying Efforts to End Discrimination. *Trovillion Homophobic Tirade on 4/10/01 *Calls for Comdemnation of Rep.Trovillion. All the Ugly Details and GLBT Our Hero's |
Legislators's Bible Thumping May Help Gay Students February 20: Gay High School Students return to Florida Capitol, not detered by last years ambush by Rep. Allen Trovillion. This year, about 80, gay and lesbian students returned to the FL Capitol to support a measure by two Broward County legislators designed to protect them from harassment and abuse in public schools. Rep. Ken Gottlieb, one of the sponsors of the bill said, "How can we ask our students to go to school, get a good education, be productive and we can't ensure they will be safe and treated with dignity at all times?" Trovillion's tirade of hate last year, brought rebukes from lawmakers from Florida to Washington, helped bring the issue to the forefront. |
FL Governor Jeb Bush Website Email Snail Mail PL 05 The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Telephone & Fax: 850/488-4441 Fax: 850/487-0801 |
Your Immediate Action Requested Florida Dignity For All Students Act Only Days Remain for it to be Heard. Please Read This Alert. |
Key Endorsement For Gay Adoption *Academy Of Pediatrics Gay Couples Can Raise Kids Well. *Opponents Lambaste Gay Unions As Being Anti-American. The A.A.P. says that gay couples provide the loving, stable and emotionally healthy family life children need, American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed homosexual adoption. Citing estimates of as many as 9 million U.S. children have at least one gay parent, the academy has urged it 55,000 members to take an active role supporting this measure that would allow homosexual adoption. Dr. Joseph Hagan Jr., chairman of the committee wrote the policy said, the new policy focuses specifically on gaining legally protected parental rights for gay co-parents whose partners have children, but could apply to gay couples who want to adopt a child together. |
Miami Mayor Urges End To Anti-Gay Initiative December 21: Miami-Dade Mayor, Alex Penelas wants the conservative Christian group to drop bid to overturn the county's gay rights amendment. But, the anti-gay group Take Back Dade rebuffed the mayor's plea. The Gay rights group SAVE Dade said it is preparing for "all out war" to preserve the law. The Mayor fears that such a battle could deeply divide Miami residents and severely damage the tourist industry. December 21: Gay Protections Contract Talks Break Down. December 20: Gay Rights Repeal to Voters in September . Op~Ed: Anti-Gay Rights Drive Ignores Facts. |
Principal Tells Parents Students Want to Form Gay-Straight Alliance Club. December 17: The principal of Pensacola, FL, Escambia High School, Delores Morrisa admits she does not meet with parents about clubs at the school. But, she does intend to discuss this clun with parents or guardians of the 40 students who are petitioning to organize a Gay-Straight Alliance. Morris defended her action saying "Teachers should call any time they are going to involve a child in something that might embarrass the family," |
Rosie O'Donnell Talks About Being a Gay Mom on ABCNEWS 'PrimeTime' March 14: Rosie O'Donnell doesn't care whether the world knows that she's gay. But she does want everyone to know that she is a gay mother of, Parker, 6, Chelsea, 4, and Blake, 2. She talked about her experiences as a gay parent publicly for the first time with, hoping to bring attention to the issue of gay adoption and the Florida law that prevents gay couples from adopting. "I wanted there to be a reason" to talk about her sexuality, she says. When she learned about a Florida gay parenting case and has made it her cause. Steve Lofton and Roger Croteau's family. |
Steve Lofton, left, and Roger Croteau are suing the state of Florida to overturn a ban on gay adoption. (Photo ABCNEWS.com) |
The five Lofton-Croteau children are being raised by gay parents. (Photo ABCNEWS.com) |
Rosie O'Donnel Gay Mom of three children and Gay Adoption Advocate (Photo ABCNews.com) |
ABC 20/20: Coming of Age with Gay Parent's Mar 9, 2001: More and more children are facing the world with "Two Moms Or Two Dads". Danielle Silber says she has two mothers and two fathers. Emma and Camille Seitz-Cherner have two fathers. Danielle, Emma, and Camille are part of the "gaybe boom," a generation of kids raised by gay parents. |
Not Wanted: Gay Parents Mar 14: Three states ban gays or same-sex couples from adopting children. Generation ago, the former beauty queen Anita Bryant put national spotlight on Florida's gay rights. She led a successful crusade to overturn a Miami ordinance banning discrimination against gays. |
Media Statements and Action Alerts TBC Take Action Alert ~ CNN Poll Gay Adoption. American Infertility Association on Gay Adoption. HRC ~ Urge FL Lawmakers Lift Gay Adoption Ban. |
This page was last updated on: September 6, 2002
Special Prosecutor Appointed to Review Miami-Dade Gay Rights Dispute Mar 15: Gov. Jeb Bush removed Miami-Dade County State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and her office from an investigation of opponents of county's gay rights amendment. An executive order signed this week, Bush appointed a special prosecutor to look into complaints that Take Back Miami-Dade fraudulently obtained signatures on its petitions. |
Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penlas Photo Miami Herald |
Please, click the banner above to visit Steve, Roger and their kids website. Learn about their struggle to keep their family together. Find out what you can do to help Bert, remain apart of the only family he knows. The family who raised, loves and cares ever so much for him. Won't you support and add your voice with the thousands and thousands shouting "Let Him Stay". April 17: Message from ACLU in responce to my message and information on the next phase in the fight to have the gay adoption ban in Florida repealed. For TBC Eye on Florida's Gay Adoption News Click Here or for Menu Click Here. |
Activists Press War Gay Adoption Ban. Mar 14: Activists who want to change the law are hoping the television special and a fervent public education campaign, will bring Floridians in the middle over to their side. |
Florida Capitol News 2002 Legislature Session Mar 15: An e-mail campaign directed at Bush and the state's adoption agency has generated 80,000 messages, including about 10,000 from Florida. |
Anti-Gay Family Research Council Attack Rosie Mar 14: Gay Adoptions Opponents waste little time with their Rosie v. the Facts About Gay Adoption campaign of spreading disinformation. |
Anita Bryant's "Save Our Children" news conferences she is zapped by a pie-wielding gay activist.View video clip. [Video Clip Credit PlanetOut Popcorn Cinema.] |
Anita Bryant was fired as the Florida Orange Juice Pitch Person. O.J. sales went down the tubes, so, Anita's anti-gay campaign did come back to haunt her, as homo's stopped drinking the juice. Photo www.anitabryant.com |
ACLU Fights Florida's Ban on Gay Adoptions Mar 15: Touting support from talk-show host Rosie O'Donnell and thousands of Floridians, opponents of state ban on adoptions by gays and lesbians called on Gov. Jeb Bush and lawmakers Thursday to repeal the law. "This law is going to come down." said Matt Coles, national director of Lesbian and Gay Rights Project at ACLU. |
Like many lesbian couples, Dana Naparsteck (left), and Susan Silber (right) made the controversial decision to start their own family. > (ABCNEWS.com) |
Rosie Takes Gay Adoption Push to Legislators Via the Newspapers. Mar 21: Open letter to lawmakers urges them not to pass ban. The letter from Roasie wasn't delivered by fax, email or snail mail. Her message delivered to legislators via the Tallahassee Democrat, The Miami Herald, South Florida Sun- Sentinel and the Orlando Sentinel, in full page newspaper ads. Rosie invested some capitol in getting her message out, it has been reported the The Miami Herald ad alone, was $35,000. |
Ex-legislators Renounce Ban on Gay Adoptions They Passed in 1977 Florida's ban on gay adoption, under scrutiny in federal court, being criticized by some of the politicians who made it law. "The hysteria of the times led us to do the wrong thing," said Elaine Bloom, a former legislator from Miami Beach who voted in favor of the ban in 1977 at the height of singer/activist Anita Bryant's crusade against gay rights. |
Rosie O'Donnell Photo TBC Archives |
Rosie O'Donnell Disavows Oscar-Nominated Film Mar 20: Rosie wants her name and voice removed Oscar-nominated documentary after she learned filmmakers are involved in a group described as a homophobic cult. |
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Rosie Gets Rave Reviews for Message on Gay Adoption Mar 24: ABC have received more feedback from that segment than any other, over 900,000 hits on our [online] message board. The bulk of comments have been positive. Related Article St Petersburg Times: Gay Adoptions in Florida, It's Out of the Question. |
Rosie's Outing Shines the Light on Gay Adoption Mar 22: Some 100,000 e-mails have flooded state offices in Florida since Rosie came out recently as a lesbian, arguing the state should throw out its law banning adoptions by gays. |
Cameron Responds To Attack On His Work By ABC's PrimeTime Mar 21: Homophobe Paul Cameron of Family Research Institute sets the record straight on gay adoptions, or as least as this bigoted homophobic idiot see's it that is. |
Vote.Com Results as of: March 27: 39,940 Votes 39,940 Yes @ 77% 8,117 No @ 23% View Results Click Here. |
Hepatitis Activists Demand Research April 6: About two dozen activists -- many infected with hepatitis C gathered at Lake Eola on Friday, chanting "We want to live" and carrying signs that read "Billions for AIDS, Pennies for Hepatitis." Kersker, 51, diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1992, wants Nelson to support an increase in federal spending for hepatitis research to $500 million annually. He also wants the senator to support the creation of a Liver Disease Research Center at the National Institutes of Health. Stephen Kersker, 51, St. Petersburg and 35 members of the Tampa Bay Hepatitis and Liver Disease Support Group protest for medical research money in front of the Orlando office of Sen. Bill Nelson on Friday. Click Photo Enlarged Image. (RED HUBER/ORLANDO SENTINEL) > |
Vote.Com Results as of: April 6: 60,524 Votes 41,331 Yes @ 69% 19,193 No @ 32% View Results Click Here. |
Poll Shows More Americans Support Gay Adoption April 2: The educated and young show the most support. Those who are in support of same-sex adoption have now outnumber opponents, if only slightly, for the first time in 10 years of polling on the subject. Forty-seven percent think gay couples should be legally permitted to adopt while slightly fewer, 42 percent, disagree. Poll Results & Breakdown. |
Rosie Responds to Signorile Article on Her, "He is a Moron" (This is not related to Gay Adoptions, but, it is abut Rosie, so what the hey.) Michelangelo (Mike) Signorile penned an article about Rosie's coming-out. I found it to be insultingly unflatering. I thought to myself, who asked you for your opinion anyway? I was taught, if you can't say something nice, then keep your two cents to yourself. Thatis of course, unless what is said adverseley effects others. Well, Rosie was asked her thoughts on Signorile's article. "He is a Moron" among a few other thoughts she had. |
Michelangelo Signorile |
Rosie O'Donnell |
Bush Blasts Republican Group for Using Name to Attack Reno Gov. Jeb Bush publicly blasted and strongly repudiated the group run by a Republican, calling itself "Americans For Bush." The group has suggested Janet Reno has gay tendencies and made it possible for terrorists to attack the United States. The group used mailings and a Website to raise money to attack FL Gov. Candidate, Reno. |
Keys Assault on Gay Couple Raises Worries April 8: Rob Riley left Key West with a broken nose, because he's gay. Rob was vacationing here with his partner of five years, Dan Haakon, walking hand in hand in front of the nightclub, three young men verbally assaulted Rob and Dan. When Rob, 38, told the young men to mind their own business, one of them punched him in the nose and kept swinging. |
Heat On For Scouts April 3: Air conditioning giant Carrier Corp. has turned up the heat on the Boy Scouts. Carrier has ended its support for a fundraising dinner that supports upstate New York scout troops. Last year, the company was responsible for combined donations and corporate dinner ticket sales of $42,025. |
Rights of Miami's Gays Under Threat South Beach, is known world-wide, is home to one of the largest gay communities in the US and is the flagship of Miami's open and most tolerant atmosphere. Beach bars and restaurants of Miami's Ocean Drive are packed, music flows from open topped cars and streets are filled with tanned people. But, come September, this may dramaticly change. Miami-Dade county residents of Miami-Dade will go to the polls to decide whether to abolish human rights for homosexuals. The right-wing organisation, the Christian Coalition, hope that voters will strip homosexuals of existing rights gained back in 1998. The vote is to have the words "sexual orientation" removed from the local Human Rights Ordinance. Thus, it will allow for homosexuals and those who may be homosexual to be discriminated in employment, housing and |
Glamorous South Beach could suffer a great loss in tourism and $$$$$ if gay rights are abolished. Photo BBC News |
in insurance coverage. The Christian Coalition have their roots in Little Havana, a poor and predominantly Cuban-American neighbourhood near down-town Miami. Where many of the people here feel bitter about the comparatively wealthy and predominantly gay neighbourhoods. They have accused homosexuals of taking advantage of their current legal position and of gaining financially from their campaign to block the repeal. Yet, are unable to supply any evidence or site specific examples to back their accusations. They denied the existence of homophobia within the community and this refutes the need for protective laws. |
Gov. Jeb Bush Photo TBC Archives |
Rights of Miami's Gays Under Threat South Beach, is known world-wide, is home to one of the largest gay communities in the US and is the flagship of Miami's open and most tolerant atmosphere. Beach bars and restaurants of Miami's Ocean Drive are packed, music flows from open topped cars and streets are filled with tanned people. But, come September, this may dramaticly change. Miami-Dade county residents of Miami-Dade will go to the polls to decide whether to abolish human rights for homosexuals. The right-wing organisation, the Christian Coalition, hope that voters will strip homosexuals of existing rights gained back in 1998. The vote is to have the words "sexual orientation" removed from the local Human Rights Ordinance. Thus, it will allow for homosexuals and those who may be homosexual to be discriminated in employment, housing and in insurance coverage. The Christian Coalition have their roots in Little Havana, a poor and predominantly Cuban-American neighbourhood near down-town Miami. Where many of the people here feel bitter about the comparatively wealthy and predominantly gay neighbourhoods. They have accused homosexuals of taking advantage of their current legal position and of gaining financially from their campaign to block the repeal. Yet, are unable to supply any evidence or site specific examples to back their accusations. They denied the existence of homophobia within the community and this refutes the need for protective g. |
Gay Survivor's Sept. 11th Tale of Tragedy is Bogus Patric Henn filed a relief claim with the American Red Cross, petitioned a New York gay rights group and telephoned a Wilton Manors gay-community newspaper to share the story of his domestic partner who had died in the World Trade Center. Henn parlayed his survivor's story into at least $25,000 in aid, but, holes in his story prompted a months-long investigation by The Express newspaper. As attempts by the Express, to corroborate Henn's story, it began to unravel, there was no record for a man with the name, birth date or Social Security number of Henn's alleged partner, Jeff John Andersen. The Red Cross is reviewing his claim and New York City Police are investigating him. Henn is among the more than 100 people under investigation around the country for allegedly bilking charities out of more than $1 million in aid earmarked for World Trade Center relief. |
Boy Scouts & Gay Activists News Archives 2001. Gay Discrimination Pays Off for Boy Scouts @ $200,000. December 19th. End Scouts' discriminatory policy against gay men. August 4th: South Florida Scout exec: We're strong as ever. August 4th: Dialogue between gays, Scouts greeted with hope. August 2nd: |
Broward County Gay Rights News Archives Americans for Equality Protector of Gay-Rights in Broward County. October 18, 2001. Broward Anti-Gay Rights Rollback Group Accused Of Illegal Tactics. September 3, 2001: The Gay Rights Battle is Heating up in Broward County. August 24, 2001: Dade faces suit over petitions. August 17, 2001: Broward anti-gay group braces for final siege. August 4, 2001: South Florida Pro-Gay Rights Web Site Online. July 1, 2001: |
TBC GLBT Florids News & Headlines Archives Broward's Teacher of the Year tackles Tough Issues and Her Sexuality. March 5, 2002. A Lesson on Honesty From No. 1 Teacher. March 5, 2002. Janet Reno on Tour and Openly Courts Gay Voters. March 2, 2002. School Board Says No to Training Partnership With Gay-Lesbian Group and Yes to Pay $ 190,000. in Legal Fees to Boy Scouts. October 17, 2002. Miami Beach Officials Widely Support Gay Rights Ordinance. January 28, 2001. Ft. Lauderdale to Add Gays to Anti-Bias Work Policy. January 24, 2001. Being Gay Has Nothing to do With Pedophilia. January 10, 2001. Metro Dade Officer Arrested on Forced Sex Charges. August 30, 2001: Tips on Finding Gay Friendly Lodgings. August 29, 2001: |
Florida Ban on Gay AdoptionNews Archives ACLU Seeks New Ruling in Florida Adoption Ban Case. September 6, 2001: Angers, Sadness Greets Adoption Ruling. August 31, 2001: Judge Rules Gay Adoption Ban Valid. August 30, 2001: Foster Parent Challenges State Ban on Gay Adoption. August 1, 2001: Florida's Ban on Gay Adoption Faces Tough Test. June 4, 2001. |
Eye on GLBT FL News Archives |
TBC Eye on GLBT Florida News & Headlines |
Orlando Sentinel Series: COMING OUT, BLENDING IN Orlando Welcomes gays -- Sort Of. Central Florida is accepting and tolerant of gays -- so long as they aren't overt and obvious. Gays' Economic Clout Leaves Stamp on City. Central Florida's sizable gay population packs significant economic clout. Gays Have Yet to Flex Political Muscle. Gays moving to Central Florida expect to find a vibrant, politically active community. But, what they find is a passive, splintered community often at odds with itself. Orlando Sentinel Photo Gallery of Gay Orlando. |
Gay-pride flags adorn Rainbow City. It's near Orlando's Colonialtown neighborhood, where nearly half of the unmarried couples who live together are same-sex. Nearby Lake Eola Heights and Thornton Park is also a popular neighborhoods for gay residents. (BOBBY COKER/ORLANDO SENTINEL) |
Gay Rights Fuels Hot Debate April 17: Gay rights clashed with religious freedom at the Orlando City Hall, several hundred people had come to support or denounce the idea of protecting homosexuals from discrimination. One resident Carl Johnson, said the law is an obvious necessity. Johnson had been given a glowing performance evaluation and a pay raise. But, when his boss asked a co-worker whom Johnson would be bringing to a company party. His co-worker's answer sealed his fate: "I assume he's bringing his partner." Johnson was soon fired without explanation. Many other speakers repeated stories similar to Johnson's. Other speakers, including Rev. Jim Perry, the proposal is an insult to Christian faith. Rev. Perry said that, "Adding "sexual orientation" to the list would be legalizing sin," |
