Casa Di Amici translates to mean “House of Friends,” but that hasn’t been the case recently at a Venice condo with the same name. The 160-unit luxury condominium complex garnered unwanted national attention by gay rights activists when it revised its bylaws to refuse to sell condos to unmarried couples. Because Florida does not recognize same-sex marriages, local activists took offense and then took action by protesting in front of the condo.
Inundated and overwhelmed, the condo quickly secured the services of Sarasota Attorney Dan Lobeck to help set the record straight. Lobeck explained that the amendment was approved in July, along with 30 other amendments, as part of a mis-worded draft created by another law firm. He states that the condo’s position was never to discriminate against same-sex couples, more to keep out those wishing to purchase the condo to turn units into timeshares.
“There is actually case law that would support a decision like this,” said Lobeck. “Instead, my clients chose to repeal the amendment because they feel it’s wrong.”
Local gay rights activist Jennifer Cohen took part in the protest. Armed with her rainbow umbrella in the hot afternoon sun, she stood along US 41 with others to stand up for what she believes is an important issue for the LGBT community.
“We always have to be out here,” said Cohen. “We can’t be denied homes. We have to stand up or they will take our rights away. We have to be that little thorn in their side.”
The protests and media attention paid off. On Aug. 22, the Board voted to change the discriminatory wording. Lobeck said that the board itself does not have the power to adopt the new amendment so it is not technically “official” until the members vote on Oct. 7. In a complex that is riddled with seasonal residents, getting a majority vote together used to be an issue. Lobeck isn’t worried and she has a plan.
“It’s effectively a done deal,” said Lobeck. “The first thing we did was lower the amendment threshold from 75% needed, to 50% plus one, to pass an amendment.”
