On the opening day of Florida’s 2014 Legislative Session, State Representative Joe Saunders (D-Orlando) grabbed an opportunity to stand up for LGBT veterans.
The House was debating HB 7015, a bill addressing veteran and service member support, specifically how to support the families of military members.
“I rise in support of this very good bill because its effort to expand the blanket of protections and opportunities to all servicemen and women and their families is noble and honorable,” Saunders said. “I also rise to remind this body that as we expand protections and opportunities for our veterans and their families we’ve looked over some who may need protections most.”
He remarked on the repeal of Don’t Ask; Don’t Tell, and asked representatives to remember all types of military families as they consider the bill.
“I ask you to think about the same-sex spouses who wake up at night from the nightmares of not knowing; the nightmares that come from the one they love most who’s missing in action,” Saunders said. “Think of the partners of those who have come back with severe disabilities, lost limbs and post-traumatic stress disorder. Before his bill hits the governor’s desk, I urge you to consider making sure that all families who have lost a loved one are recognized in the blankets of these new protections.”
Currently, the bill is still alive and awaiting committee hearings.
