Is Florida Next? Six Same-Sex Couples Sue For Right To Marry
var addthis_config = {“data_track_addressbar”:true};
Six same-sex couples are suing the state of Florida for the right to marry. While most remember California’s Prop 8 –and its subsequent demise — few remember that on the same day in 2008 that California voters chose to write discrimination into their constitution, so did voters in the Sunshine State.
Those six couples, along with the Equality Florida Institute and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), held a press conference in Miami today to discuss the case.
“Florida is our home, it is where we are raising our child, and where we want to get married,” said Catherina Pareto, who was joined by her partner, Karla Arguello. “Karla and I wish for our family the same things that other families want. We want to build our lives together, provide a safe and caring home for our child, and share in the responsibilities and protections of marriage.”
Famed attorney Shannon Minter, now of NCLR, told reporters, “The law should support families, not make it harder for committed couples to support one another and protect their children. Barring same-sex couples from marriage causes great harms to their families and children while helping no one.â€
Nadine Smith, longtime Equality Florida Institute CEO added, “Today the majority of Floridians stand with us as we take this historic step toward marriage equality in the Sunshine State. These couples have been embraced by their families and communities, but every day, Florida laws are denying them the protections and dignity that every family deserves. These harmful laws are outdated and out of step. It is time for all families in our state to have full equality under the law.â€
Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez and his partner, David Price, have been together for close to 18 years. They work together in Rodriguez’s medical practice, and are raising three-year old twins. “David and I are devoted to our children,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “We are a family in every way, except that Florida will not allow us to marry. Being a doctor, I see people and families in crisis all the time. In those situations, family and the legal protections that come with it are critical. It pains David and me to be denied a basic safety net of legal protections.”
Â
Image via Equality Florida
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.