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The Patriotic Earthling ([personal profile] orbitaldiamonds) wrote2009-08-21 04:42 pm
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Email from EqualityFlorida.com with GOOD news! :D

Stuart Milk Accepts Presidential Medal of Freedom on Behalf of His Uncle, Harvey Milk

On August 12th Stuart Milk accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our country's highest civilian honor, on behalf of his uncle, Harvey Milk.

Stuart is a member of Equality Florida and he was joined in Washington DC by our Field Director, Joe Saunders, and a group of our Florida Council Members in a post-ceremony celebration hosted by the Victory Fund.
 

"The legacy of my uncle is kept alive by those who do the hard and unglamorous work of changing hearts and minds, of electing our champions or inspiring those who have never stood up before to believe they can be a voice for equality. That is why I'm proud to be a member of Equality Florida."

- Stuart Milk

Despite Pressure From The Radical Right, AAA South Stands Firm in Recognizing Same-Gender Spouses

In July, we announced that AAA South had officially clarified it's policy and that it will provide the same membership and discounts for gay married couple as they do for straight married couples.

The announcement set-off a small firestorm from the radical right, but we responded. More than 2,800 Equality Florida supporters contacted AAA to show their appreciation and to offset the deluge from far-right extremists.

During our July 21st meeting with AAA South, Tom O'Brien, President and Chief Executive Officer of AAA Auto Club South stated, "Our policy does include gay and lesbian spouses, wherever they were married. Whether in other states or countries, they qualify."

"Our relationship with our members is built upon trust. We would never ask for proof of marital status between a man and a woman via a marriage license or other means, so we would have no reason to treat same-sex spouses differently," said AAA South executive John Imming in a later statement.

AAA South has more than 4 million members in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. To have such an iconic company set a standard of full equality for all married couples, regardless of sexual orientation, sends an important message in support of diversity.

Bill to Repeal Florida's Shameful Ban on Gay Adoption Filed

A bill (HB 3) to repeal Florida's ban on gay and lesbian adoption has already been filed for next legislative session by Representative Brandenburg. Filing the bill early allows bill sponsors to talk to leadership sooner about moving the bill in the legislature. Senator Rich has also committed to once again filing the bill in the House. Senator Rich recently wrote about the ban in an editorial published in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Read Senator Rich's op-ed at our blog.

 

Floridians Take Action to Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Keith Meinhold, Florida native and decorated combat veteran, has teamed up with Equality Florida, Progress Florida and the Service Members Legal Defense Network to help repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Click here

 
to read his message and if you are moved by his story, please take a moment to sign this letter urging the Florida congressional delegation to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
 

Already, 1,498 Equality Florida members have signed the letter. Have you?


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