State of Florida Archives: on Civil Rights
Greg Steube:
Support "Pastor Protection Act" on gay marriage
Summary by Florida Politics (3/2/16): The Florida House voted to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. "This bill is about discriminating in the name of religion, sadly," said Rep. David
Richardson, the only openly gay member of the Florida House. "It is an insult to the gay community." The proposal protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing to perform gay marriages. "We
respect the Supreme Court, but we also respect our citizens’ rights to exercise (their First Amendment rights)," said one sponsor. Many ministers from older, mainline religious organizations opposed the bill; while smaller evangelical groups came out in
support of it.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-37-1 on Mar/2/16; State Rep. Greg Steube voted YES; passed Senate 23-15-2 on Mar/3/16; signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/10/16.
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on legislative voting record HB43
Mar 2, 2016
Ross Spano:
Support "Pastor Protection Act" on gay marriage
Summary by Florida Politics (3/2/16): The Florida House voted to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. "This bill is about discriminating in the name of religion, sadly," said Rep. David
Richardson, the only openly gay member of the Florida House. "It is an insult to the gay community." The proposal protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing to perform gay marriages. "We
respect the Supreme Court, but we also respect our citizens’ rights to exercise (their First Amendment rights)," said one sponsor. Many ministers from older, mainline religious organizations opposed the bill; while smaller evangelical groups came out in
support of it.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-37-1 on Mar/2/16; State Rep. Ross Spano voted YES; passed Senate 23-15-2 on Mar/3/16; signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/10/16.
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on legislative voting record HB43
Mar 2, 2016
Matt Gaetz:
Support "Pastor Protection Act" on gay marriage
Summary by Florida Politics (3/2/16): The Florida House voted to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. "This bill is about discriminating in the name of religion, sadly," said Rep. David
Richardson, the only openly gay member of the Florida House. "It is an insult to the gay community." The proposal protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing to perform gay marriages. "We
respect the Supreme Court, but we also respect our citizens’ rights to exercise (their First Amendment rights)," said one sponsor. Many ministers from older, mainline religious organizations opposed the bill; while smaller evangelical groups came out in
support of it.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-37-1 on Mar/2/16; State Rep. Matt Gaetz voted YES; passed Senate 23-15-2 on Mar/3/16; signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/10/16.
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on legislative voting record HB43
Mar 2, 2016
Jared Moskowitz:
Oppose "Pastor Protection Act" on gay marriage
Summary by Florida Politics (3/2/16): The Florida House voted to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. "This bill is about discriminating in the name of religion, sadly," said Rep. David
Richardson, the only openly gay member of the Florida House. "It is an insult to the gay community." The proposal protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing to perform gay marriages. "We
respect the Supreme Court, but we also respect our citizens’ rights to exercise (their First Amendment rights)," said one sponsor. Many ministers from older, mainline religious organizations opposed the bill; while smaller evangelical groups came out in
support of it.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-37-1 on Mar/2/16; State Rep. Jared Moskowitz voted NO; passed Senate 23-15-2 on Mar/3/16; signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/10/16.
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on legislative voting record HB43
Mar 2, 2016
Darren Soto:
Oppose "Pastor Protection Act" on gay marriage
Summary by Florida Politics (3/2/16): The Florida House voted to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. "This bill is about discriminating in the name of religion, sadly," said Rep. David
Richardson, the only openly gay member of the Florida House. "It is an insult to the gay community." The proposal protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing to perform gay marriages. "We
respect the Supreme Court, but we also respect our citizens’ rights to exercise (their First Amendment rights)," said one sponsor. Many ministers from older, mainline religious organizations opposed the bill; while smaller evangelical groups came out in
support of it.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-37-1 on Mar/2/16; passed Senate 23-15-2 on Mar/3/16; State Sen. Darren Soto voted YES; signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/10/16.
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on legislative voting record HB43
Mar 3, 2016
Aaron Bean:
Support "Pastor Protection Act" on gay marriage
Summary by Florida Politics (3/2/16): The Florida House voted to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. "This bill is about discriminating in the name of religion, sadly," said Rep. David
Richardson, the only openly gay member of the Florida House. "It is an insult to the gay community." The proposal protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing to perform gay marriages. "We
respect the Supreme Court, but we also respect our citizens’ rights to exercise (their First Amendment rights)," said one sponsor. Many ministers from older, mainline religious organizations opposed the bill; while smaller evangelical groups came out in
support of it.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-37-1 on Mar/2/16; passed Senate 23-15-2 on Mar/3/16; State Sen. Aaron Bean voted YES; signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/10/16.
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on legislative voting record HB43
Mar 3, 2016
Rick Scott:
Signed "Pastor Protection Act" on gay marriage
Summary by Florida Politics (3/2/16): The Florida House voted to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. "This bill is about discriminating in the name of religion, sadly," said Rep. David
Richardson, the only openly gay member of the Florida House. "It is an insult to the gay community." The proposal protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing to perform gay marriages. "We
respect the Supreme Court, but we also respect our citizens’ rights to exercise (their First Amendment rights)," said one sponsor. Many ministers from older, mainline religious organizations opposed the bill; while smaller evangelical groups came out in
support of it.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-37-1 on Mar/2/16; passed Senate 23-15-2 on Mar/3/16; signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/10/16.
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on legislative voting record HB43
Mar 10, 2016
Al Franken:
Apologized for comic routines that offended women
The convention's controversies brought to a head Franken's weakness among women voters. As he won the DFL nomination, he told the delegates, "It kills me that things
I said and wrote sent a message, that they can't count on me to be a champion for women, for all Minnesotans. I'm sorry for that. Because that's not who I am. I wrote a lot of jokes. Some of them weren't funny. Some of them weren't appropriate.
Some of them were downright offensive. I understand that." As the real head-to-head battle with Coleman was set to begin, all of
Franken's previous writings, satirical, hysterical, whimsical or not, were now political problems that especially turned off women voters.
Source: This Is Not Florida, by Jay Weiner, p. 75
Sep 16, 2010
Alexander Snitker:
Open gays ok in military; don't define marriage
Q: Do you support allowing openly-gay men and women to serve in the United States military? A: Yes.
Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?
A: No.
The government should not be involved in marriage. It is a contract between individuals. I support the civil rights of all Americans - not just certain groups.
Source: Florida Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Aug 11, 2010
Alexander Snitker:
End affirmative action programs
Q: Should the federal government end affirmative action programs? A: Yes.
Source: Florida Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Aug 11, 2010
Andrew Gillum:
Take down Confederate monuments
I am calling on Governor Rick Scott to immediately remove the Confederate monument on the grounds of the Old State Capitol. If he refuses, I will do so on my first day as Governor. We owe it to our children and grandchildren
to acknowledge that while we cannot change history, we do not have to glorify its ugliest moments with displays on public lands. And most certainly not in our state's capital, and not in front of our historic state house.
Source: 2018 Florida Gubernatorial website AndrewGillum.com
Sep 1, 2017
Andrew Gillum:
Staunch supporter of LGBT rights
Andrew has always been a staunch supporter of LGBT rights during his years as a public leader. As a City Commissioner, Gillum led the charge to expand domestic partner health benefits from City employees. As Mayor, when at least a dozen Florida counties
were refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Florida, Gillum raised his voice in opposition and extended an invitation for couples to get married in Florida's Capital City.There still remains much work ahead to advance equality for
LGBT Floridians. In Florida, gay, lesbian, and bisexual citizens may not be protected from discrimination in public or in the workplace from one county to the next. Transgender Floridians may not have the right to use the restrooms that align with their
gender identity depending on the community in which they find themselves.
As Governor, Andrew will work to address these issues through statewide policies that ensure equal treatment and equal rights for all Floridians from every corner of our state
Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website AndrewGillum.com
Mar 21, 2018
Andrew Gillum:
Oppose discrimination based on gender identity
Q: You opposed discrimination based on sexual orientation and supported same-sex marriage as mayor; would you extend the same equal rights to transgendered people?A: Despite the tremendous victory for equal rights that was achieved when the
Supreme Court made same-sex marriage a constitutional right in the United States, there still remains much work ahead to advance equality for LGBT Floridians. In Florida, gay, lesbian, and bisexual citizens may not be protected from discrimination in
public or in the workplace from one county to the next. Transgender Floridians may not have the right to use the restrooms that align with their gender identity depending on the community in which they find themselves.
As Governor, Andrew will work to address these issues through statewide policies that ensure equal treatment and equal rights for all Floridians from every corner of our state.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Governor candidate
Jun 15, 2018
Andrew Gillum:
Supports same-sex marriage
Q: Do you support or oppose same-sex marriage?A: Strongly Support--Andrew has always been a staunch supporter of LGBT rights during his years as a public leader. As a City Commissioner, Gillum led the charge to expand domestic partner health benefits
from City employees. As Mayor, when at least a dozen Florida counties were refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Florida, Gillum extended an invitation for couples to get married in Florida's Capital City.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Governor candidate
Jun 15, 2018
Andy Martin:
Discontinue affirmative action programs
Martin indicates support of the following principles regarding employment and affirmative action. - Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment.
-
Reduce government regulation of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
- The federal government should discontinue affirmative action programs.
Source: 2000 Florida Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Annette Taddeo:
State must value everyone no matter their sexual orientation
[On sexual orientation]: "This is going to endanger the safety of our LGBTQ students and adolescents," Sen. Annette
Taddeo said. "We will not stop until this state moves forward and actually values everyone in it, everyone no matter their sexual orientation."
Source: NBC News on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Mar 8, 2022
Augustus Invictus:
Who one marries is not the concern of the Government
Invictus encompasses the libertarian state of mind when it comes to civil liberties: Whether one marries a member of the same sex or of the opposite sex is not the concern of the Government. Whether one speaks with his wife or his mistress is not the
concern of the NSA. Whether one consumes alcohol or marijuana is not the concern of the DEA. Whether one owns 1 firearm or 3 is not the concern of the ATF. We must restore our civil liberties and limit the power of the Government.
Source: LibertyHangout.org on 2016 Florida Senate race
May 28, 2016
Augustus Invictus:
Friends with white supremacists, but denies affiliation
Ex-Florida Senate candidate and white nationalist Augustus Sol Invictus has been arrested on an out-of-county warrant on charges of kidnapping, "high and aggravated" domestic violence and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Invictus, who campaigned as a libertarian in a 2016 Senate run and later headlined the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, VA, was arrested Monday in Brevard County on a warrant out of the Rockhill Police Department in South Carolina.
The police report describes him as an "out of state fugitive."
Invictus acknowledged that he is friends with white supremacists, and, though he denied his affiliation then,
was praised and credited by white nationalist leader Richard Spencer as writing the first draft of the Charlottesville statement.
Source: Miami Herald on 2016 Florida Senate race
Jan 1, 2020
Bernard DeCastro:
Define marriage as one man and one woman
Question: ON MARRIAGE: Defining marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman? Answer: SUPPORT
Source: Florida Catholic Conference Candidate Questionnaire
Aug 11, 2010
Betty Castor:
Support basic protections for gay couples, but not marriage
Q: Do you support gay marriage? Do you support civil unions?CASTOR: I do not support gay marriage, but I oppose changing the US Constitution over this issue.
We should be conservative with our Constitution, not run out and change it over contentious social issues. I do support basic legal protections for couples who make a commitment to each other, such as the right to visit each other in the hospital.
No one should be denied basic human rights like that.
MARTINEZ: I believe a marriage should be only between one man and one woman and I will vote for the constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between a man and woman.
Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press
Oct 24, 2004
Bill Nelson:
Favors requiring companies to hire more women & minorities
Earlier this year, I hit Nationwide, one of the country’s biggest insurers, with a $100,000 penalty to end marketing practices that discriminated against Floridians based on their age, sex, marital status and occupation. We quickly and effectively
ended the use of marketing strategies that discriminated against consumers across the state.
Each of us, in whatever capacity we serve, can also act to help win every battle for equal rights.
Source: Remarks at Florida Voters League, June 20, 1998
Sep 20, 2000
Charlie Crist:
Lifetime member of NAACP
He has appointed judges whom many Republicans deem liberal, and his support for restoring voting rights to ex-felons is hardly a Republican hobbyhorse.
He boasts of being a "life member" of the N.A.A.C.P., and one black legislator called Crist the state's "first black governor."
Source: New York Times on 2010 Florida Senate debate
Jan 10, 2010
Charlie Crist:
Opposed gay adoption; then praised Court overturning ban
Meek pointed out that Crist has changed his position on several issues, including once being against allowing gay couples to adopt children and later praising a legal decision that said Florida's ban is unconstitutional."Charlie
Crist stands on a wet paper box," Meek said. "You don't know where he is."
Rubio said neither Crist nor Meek would oppose the Obama administration.
Source: Associated Press coverage of 2010 Florida Senate Debate
Oct 6, 2010
Charlie Crist:
2010: Backed gay marriage ban; 2014: supports gay marriage
Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to make amends with the gay community--and the Democratic base-over his record on marriage equality. The Republican-turned-Democrat, who's running for his old job, directly apologized for previously supporting
a state ban on same-sex unions. "I'm sorry I did that," Crist said in response to backing Amendment 2 to Florida's Constitution. "It was a mistake. I was wrong. Please forgive me."After being pressed further, Crist once again addressed his evolving
stance on the topic: "I made a mistake. I'm not perfect," he said. "That's the journey I'm on, and I'm still on it."
In 2010, he stood by the ban and said that he believes marriage is "a sacred institution between a man and a woman." Crist said he was
inspired by President Obama to finally come out in support of marriage equality. "Everybody deserves to love who they want to. Everybody deserves to marry who they want to. Even the Pope has said, 'Who am I to judge?'"
Source: MSNBC coverage of 2014 Florida gubernatorial race
Jan 3, 2014
Charlie Crist:
I left GOP because they bash Obama's race
Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (D) said Tuesday that a "big reason" why he left the Republican Party was because many in the GOP were hostile to President Obama due to his race. Crist said that he felt uncomfortable with his previous party
affiliation. Republicans are perceived as "anti-women, anti-immigrant, anti-minority, [and] anti-gay," he said, and they refuse to compromise with Obama. The ex-governor said he feels, "liberated as a Democrat."
"I couldn't be consistent with myself
and my core beliefs, and stay with a party that was so unfriendly toward the African-American president, I'll just go there," he said. "I was a Republican and I saw the activists and what they were doing, it was intolerable to me."
Crist left the GOP
Source: Fusion.net e-zine on 2014 Florida gubernatorial race
May 6, 2014
Charlie Crist:
I support same-sex marriage
- Crist supports allowing same-sex marriage in Florida and said Florida's current ban is discriminatory. Scott declined to say whether he considers it discriminatory, but said he supports "traditional marriage."
- Crist wants the state to accept
federal funding to expand Medicaid coverage. Scott said he'd only temporarily expand Medicaid if it were 100 percent federally funded.
- Crist supports increasing the minimum wage. Scott does not.
Source: Miami Herald on 2014 Florida Gubernatorial debate
Oct 15, 2014
Darren Soto:
Embrace our proud LGBT community
Here in Central Florida, we embrace our proud LGBT community--and after the horrific attack on the Pulse nightclub, we all rallied together to support our gay, lesbian, bi and trans brothers and sisters. Our neighbors are of every race, religion,
nationality, gender identity, and sexual orientation and we are proud of it. We celebrate it. We believe love is love. That's what makes us Orlando Strong.In the Florida Senate,
I sponsored legislation to remove the provision in Florida statutes that defined marriage between a man and a woman. I also led the effort to filibuster a bill that would allow discrimination of LGBT couples in the adoption process.
In Congress, I'll fight to pass the Equality Act to provide nationwide protections against LGBT discrimination in employment, housing, and education--and I will fight every attempt to allow discrimination against our LGBT Americans
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website DarrenSoto.com
Nov 8, 2016
Edward Janowski:
Focus on corporate benefits for same-sex couples
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Comfortable with same-sex marriage"?A: I believe that the legal battle for same-sex marriage was the biggest mistake the LGBT community ever made.
The actual reason behind these lawsuits wasn't love and domestic tranquility, it was health and life insurance.
I think the LGBT community would have found much more acceptance in today's society if they would have mobilized their resources against the corporations that were denying them coverage instead of the general public's view of marriage.
While they won a victory and made the lawyers rich, they suffered a huge loss and setback with the public in general.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Senate candidate
Mar 30, 2018
Greg Steube:
Don't force agencies to adopt to gay couples
The Florida House passed a bill, HB 7111, promoting adoption, approving a controversial measure that would allow private adoption agencies to refuse to place children with same-sex couples. The "conscience protection" bill passed 75-38, mostly along
party lines. It would protect private adoption agencies from losing their licenses or state funding if they refuse to facilitate adoptions on religious or moral grounds."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 Steube YEA.
Source: WJCT News Service on Florida voting record HB 7111
Apr 9, 2015
Greg Steube:
Trans women do not belong in women's sports
Greg Steube brought out an amendment to the "Equality Act" which would "ensure that nothing in the bill could be construed to require biological females to compete against biological males in sports.""I'm offering this amendment today to ensure that
female athletes are not competing against male athletes for athletic scholarships and Title IX funding. I want to guarantee that biological women are not forced to compete against biological men at all levels of athletic competition."
Source: FloridaDaily.com on 2018 Congressional FL-17 election
May 6, 2019
Gwen Graham:
Fight to pass Paycheck Fairness Act
A dollar doesn't go as far as it used to, but Congress can take the steps now to help strengthen the financial stability of families' right here in North Florida.- Incrementally raise the minimum wage with input from
small businesses, working families, and economists. This would benefit 1.8 million Floridians including over 72,000 veterans.
- Fight to pass Paycheck Fairness and ensure women receive equal pay for equal work.
With Florida women earning only 83-cents on every dollar earned by a man for the same work, families are seeing money come out of their pockets for no reason.
-
Lower taxes for middle class families, by opposing burdensome tax increases like the $2,000 hike my opponent voted in favor of earlier this year.
Source: 2014 Florida House campaign website, GwenGraham.com
Nov 4, 2014
Jeb Bush:
Supports Affirmative Action; against quotas
Regarding affirmative action, should state government agencies take race and sex into account in the following sectors: - College and university admissions? "Yes."
- Public employment? "Yes."
- State contracting? "Yes."
-
Bush says, "I oppose guaranteed results through quotas and set asides. However, I believe it must be an important state goal to hire people who reflect the diversity of Florida and to provide opportunities that might not otherwise exist."
Source: 1998 Florida National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1998
Jeb Bush:
No hate-crimes status for gays; no gay marriage
Q: Do you believe that the Florida government should include sexual orientation in Florida's anti-discrimination laws? A: No.
Q: Do you believe that the Florida government should recognize same-sex marriages?
A: No.
Source: 1998 Florida National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1998
Jeb Bush:
Provide licensure exams in Spanish, for free
Senate Bill 1016 contains a provision that recognizes the changing face of Florida. Currently, licensure exams are given in English. An applicant who seeks to take a licensure exam in Spanish must provide six months notice and
pay the cost of developing the test. This bill relieves Spanish-speaking Floridians from that burden. Exams in Spanish will be generally available without an additional cost. Taken together, these provisions make this a good bill.
Source: Approval notification on Florida Voting Record S.B.1016
Jun 23, 2000
Jeb Bush:
OpEd: "One Florida" scrapped affirmative action
In early 2000, state Sen. Kendrick Meek was angry at Bush's "One Florida" decision scrapping affirmative action in Florida's higher-education system. Bush said he issued the order to head off a ballot initiative that would have been more stringent. He
contended his move would increase minority enrollment in state universities. It guaranteed admission to the top 20% of high school seniors, expanded the state's student financial aid budget and made it easier for minority businesses to be certified to
work across Florida.But the surprise nature of the governor's executive order incensed lots of Floridians--to the point that Meek showed up uninvited in Bush's office. He insisted he wouldn't leave until the affirmative action ban was rescinded.
Seeking to end a public relations nightmare, Bush agreed to meet lawmakers in a Capitol conference room. There he agreed to delay his order ending affirmative action so public hearings could be held on the issue. The plan did go through, slightly delayed
Source: Washington Post, "Florida affirmative action ban"
Apr 7, 2015
Kendrick Meek:
Sit-in to protest "One Florida" end of affirmative action
In early 2000, state Sen. Kendrick Meek was angry at Bush's "One Florida" decision scrapping affirmative action in Florida's higher-education system. Bush said he issued the order to head off a ballot initiative that would have been more stringent. He
contended his move would increase minority enrollment in state universities. It guaranteed admission to the top 20% of high school seniors, expanded the state's student financial aid budget and made it easier for minority businesses to be certified to
work across Florida.But the surprise nature of the governor's executive order incensed lots of Floridians--to the point that Meek showed up uninvited in Bush's office. He insisted he wouldn't leave until the affirmative action ban was rescinded.
Seeking to end a public relations nightmare, Bush agreed to meet lawmakers in a Capitol conference room. There he agreed to delay his order ending affirmative action so public hearings could be held on the issue. The plan did go through, slightly delayed
Source: Washington Post, "Florida affirmative action ban"
Apr 7, 2015
Lois Frankel:
Affirmative action in state hiring and college
Q: Should state government agencies should take race and sex into account in college and university admissions?A: Yes.
Q: Public employment?
A: Undecided.
Q: State contracting?
A: Yes.
Source: Florida 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Marco Rubio:
Men's bathrooms are for men & women's bathrooms for women
Q: Support gay marriage?Murphy: Yes
Rubio: No. Supports overturning same-sex marriage ruling.
Q: Should transgender individuals have the right to use public bathrooms of their choice?
Murphy: Yes. Cosponsored The Equality Act to ban
discrimination based on gender identity.
Rubio: No. Men's bathrooms are for men & women's bathrooms are for women. Advocates for reversing Obama's Executive Order on gender identity and opposes making sexual orientation a protected class.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Florida Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Mel Martinez:
Support the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage
Q: Do you support gay marriage? Do you support civil unions?CASTOR: I do not support gay marriage, but I oppose changing the US Constitution over this issue.
We should be conservative with our Constitution, not run out and change it over contentious social issues. I do support basic legal protections for couples who make a commitment to each other, such as the right to visit each other in the hospital.
No one should be denied basic human rights like that.
MARTINEZ: I believe a marriage should be only between one man and one woman and I will vote for the constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between a man and woman.
Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press
Oct 24, 2004
Mitt Romney:
MA Constitution, by John Adams, has no same-sex marriage
I've been in a state that has gay marriage, and I recognize that the consequences of gay marriage fall far beyond just the relationship between a man and a woman. They also relate to our kids and the right of religion to be practiced freely in a society.
The status of marriage, if it's allowed among the same sex individuals in one state is going to spread to the entire nation. And that's why it's important to have a national standard for marriage. And I'm committed to making sure that we reinforce the
institution of marriage in this country by insisting that all states have a right to have marriage as defined as between a man and a woman; and we don't have unelected judges saying we're going to impose same-sex marriage where it was clearly not in
their state constitution.
My state's constitution was written by John Adams. It isn't there. I've looked. The people need to speak on this issue and make sure that marriage is preserved as between a man and a woman.
Source: 2007 GOP primary debate in Orlando, Florida
Oct 21, 2007
Nikki Fried:
Banning transgender kids in sports is peddling hate
Fried went after DeSantis for signing a law prohibiting transgender girls from competing in girls' sports in public schools. "By signing a heartless ban on transgender kids in sports, @GovRonDeSantis is marginalizing an entire community.
Signing it on the first day of #Pride2021 is especially cruel. Florida should stand for inclusivity, equality, and liberty--not peddling hate for political points," she wrote on Twitter.
Source: Fox News on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Jun 2, 2021
Nikki Fried:
Updated personnel policies to ban LGBTQ discrimination
Fried has said she is a proud supporter of LGBTQ rights and that she will do everything in her power to stop hateful agendas. Shortly after getting elected, Equality Florida applauded Fried for updating her agency's personnel policies to include
nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Fried also established the position of LGBTQ Consumer Advocate within the Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services.
Source: WPTV Palm Beach NBC-5 on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Jul 2, 2021
Pam Keith:
Racists are sad aberrations, but they still exist
Q: What did being black mean to you growing up?A: From 0-6, I didn't even know I was "black." I was just an American and a girl. I was introduced to race as an issue when "Roots" came on TV. It was very traumatic for me to learn that I descended from
people who were so profoundly abused, because I wanted to go back in time and stop slavery and get justice. I didn't relate any of that to my own existence until I moved to Kentucky when my Mom got a scholarship to attend UK. Racism was alive and real,
and palpable. By then, I had developed a habit of accepting people and expecting them to be basically good. So I considered the mean folks in Kentucky to be sad aberrations, people who were just ignorant and unhappy. I didn't really focus on race issues
again until I was a teenager in a racially mixed school, and chose to embrace African American culture. That choice was central to me feeling good about myself and who I am, without sacrificing my love and acceptance of others.
Source: Rise Miami News on 2016 Florida Senate race
Aug 13, 2015
Philip Levine:
History of being a fierce champion for LGBTQ rights
Philip has always been a fierce champion for LGBTQ rights. As Mayor of Miami Beach, he led the first same-sex weddings in his city after the historic ruling in 2015. Under his administration, his city won consecutive perfect scores from the Human
Rights Campaign for inclusiveness and tolerance - the highest in the state of Florida. Philip will fight to make the Florida Competitive Workforce Act a reality, to ensure that no one of any gender or sexual orientation faces discrimination on the job.
Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website PhilipLevine2018.com
Oct 9, 2018
Rick Scott:
$36 million for community-based disabled help
Our budget increases funding for persons with disabilities by $36 million to help more disabled people receive community-based services, and $2.5 million for job training. Betty Kay Clements is here today--she is an advocate for persons with
disabilities in the Orlando area. I was honored to meet Betty recently and hear her story about her daughter, Laura Lynne, who has overcome many obstacles with her disability to get a job at Target.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Florida Legislature
Mar 5, 2013
Rick Scott:
I support traditional marriage
For the roughly 7 percent of voters who remain undecided there were plenty of clear differences to consider:- Crist supports allowing same-sex marriage in Florida and said Florida's current ban is discriminatory. Scott declined to say whether he
considers it discriminatory, but said he supports "traditional marriage."
- Crist wants the state to accept federal funding to expand Medicaid coverage. Scott said he'd only temporarily expand Medicaid if it were 100 percent federally funded.
Source: Miami Herald on 2014 Florida Gubernatorial debate
Oct 15, 2014
Ron DeSantis:
Backs bill impeding voting by ex-felons
Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will sign a bill that would require ex-felons in the state, who were granted the right to vote in a referendum, to pay all financial obligations before they can head to the polls.
DeSantis said that the "idea that paying restitution to someone is equivalent to a tax is totally wrong. The only reason you're paying restitution is because you were convicted of a felony."
Source: CNN.com on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
May 8, 2019
Ron DeSantis:
Those who got violent need to be held accountable
He also said there are different level of responsibility among those who massed in Washington. "I think it was a really unfortunate thing. I think that a lot of the people that probably went to that speech were just going to do what they normally do.
But those folks who took it to the violent level they need to be held accountable. It's just unacceptable to do that. It really, really a sad thing to see."
Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel on Jan. 6th insurrection
Jan 12, 2021
Ron Paul:
Protect all voluntary associations; don't define marriage
Q: On gay marriage. You've been quoted as saying, "Any association that's voluntary should be permissible in a free society." And you've expressed your opposition to a constitutional ban on gay marriage. A: If you believe in federalism, it's better
that we allow these things to be left to the state. My personal belief is that marriage is a religious ceremony. And it should be dealt with religiously. The [government] really shouldn't be involved. The government got involved mostly for health reasons
100 years or so ago. But this should be a religious matter. All voluntary associations, whether they're economic or social, should be protected by the law. But to amend the Constitution is totally unnecessary to define something that's already in the
dictionary. We do know what marriage is about. We don't need a new definition or argue over a definition and have an Amendment. To me, it just seems so unnecessary to do that. There's no need for the federal government to be involved in this.
Source: 2007 GOP primary debate in Orlando, Florida
Oct 21, 2007
Ronald Reagan:
Supports constitutional amendment to allow prayer in schools
When our Founding Fathers passed the First Amendment, they never intended to construct a wall between government and religious belief. The Supreme Court opens its proceedings with a religious invocation. Congress opens sessions with a prayer. I believe
the schoolchildren of the United States are entitled to the same privileges. I sent the Congress a constitutional amendment to restore prayer to public schools. I am calling on the Congress to act speedily and to let our children pray.
Source: Speech in Orlando Florida
Mar 8, 1983
Ross Spano:
Don't force agencies to adopt to gay couples
The Florida House passed a bill, HB 7111, promoting adoption, approving a controversial measure that would allow private adoption agencies to refuse to place children with same-sex couples. The "conscience protection" bill passed 75-38, mostly along
party lines. It would protect private adoption agencies from losing their licenses or state funding if they refuse to facilitate adoptions on religious or moral grounds."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.
Source: WJCT News Service on Florida voting record HB 7111
Apr 9, 2015
Rudy Giuliani:
No Marriage Amendment needed now, but maybe if DOMA fails
Q: You said that if DOMA were to fail, or states began to legalize gay marriage, you would [withdraw your opposition to] a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.A: I do not believe under the state that presently exists, with the Defense of
Marriage Act and basically one state that has by judicial fiat created same-sex marriage--I don't think we need a constitutional amendment at this point. If a lot of states start to do that--5 or 6 states--then we should have a constitutional amendment.
Source: 2007 GOP primary debate in Orlando, Florida
Oct 21, 2007
Rudy Giuliani:
Comfortable with trying to reach voters in Spanish
Q: Your immigration plan calls for all immigrants to learn English to gain citizenship. So why is your campaign airing an ad in Spanish?A: This is a country that is built around the English language. If you want to become a citizen, you should
demonstrate your facility with English. If you know other languages, that is a wonderful thing. If we have substantial portions of populations that know other languages, I'm very comfortable trying to reach them in both English and in Spanish.
Source: 2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida
Jan 24, 2008
Val Demings:
To cops after George Floyd:"What in the hell are you doing?"
National Democrats leaned on Demings following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes. Her unique background as a Black woman and a former police chief gave her
credibility to address the national unrest in ways few could. She channeled her angst into a provocative Washington Post op-ed that asked her former police colleagues: "What in the hell are you doing?"Demings believes her experiences allow her to see
many sides of the debate over the future of policing in America. She grew up in Jacksonville where she recalled being called the N-word as a four-year-old girl. She attended segregated schools. She was a social worker before joining the Orlando
Police Department at age 26. After graduating from the police academy, she walked the streets of the city's Black neighborhoods on patrol as she rose up the ranks. She was named police chief in 2007, the first Black female to hold the job.
Source: The Tampa Bay Times on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Dec 29, 2020
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023