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Ross Spano on Civil Rights |
The bill also prevents anyone from denying access to a bathroom that matches their gender identity. It's a direct response to so-called "bathroom bills" that require people to use restrooms of their assigned gender at birth.
In explaining his opposition, Rep. Ross Spano quoted civil rights icon Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. "Coretta Scott King wisely said, 'Freedom is never really won. We earn it in every new generation,' Spano said. "H.R. 5 is bad for freedom. It would immediately expose churches, religious schools and universities and faith-based organizations to legal liability for simply following their earnest beliefs."
Those remarks drew widespread condemnation from LGBTQ activists and Democrats, who noted that King was a strong advocate for gay rights.
"There is no intent to discriminate," said Rep. Ross Spano (R-Dover), who supported the measure. "We should be encouraging these agencies to perform adoptions, not forcing them to choose. Please don't put them in that position."
According to the Department of Children and Families, 673 Florida foster children are available for adoption. Most are hard to place, being older children or having disabilities. Records show most have been waiting for at least three years to be adopted.
Bill passed House, 75-38, on 4/9/15; Rep. Spano voted YEA.