Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) filed a bill last month that would allow Floridians to enter into domestic partnerships and extends at least some benefits to unmarried gay and straight couples. On Feb. 19 it will be heard by the Florida Senate’s Committee on Children, Families and Elder Affairs.
“The state has a strong interest in promoting stable and lasting families, and believes that all families should be provided with the opportunity to obtain necessary legal protections and status and the ability to achieve their fullest potential,” the bill says in a section of legislative findings.
The bill also states that it is not an attempt to circumvent the 2008 provision in the state’s constitution that defines marriage as solely between one man and one woman.
Communities across the Sunshine State have passed similar ordinances to provide a half-dozen or so rights to unmarried couples, such as hospital and jail visitation and emergency contact recognition. Many also provide access child rearing decisions when a couple shares responsibility.
“Equality Florida is proud to have worked with Senator Eleanor Sobel to introduce this important bill,” said Mallory Wells, Public Policy Director for Equality Florida. “The historic hearing will mark the first time the Florida legislature will discuss legal recognition of same-sex couples and unmarried opposite sex couples.”
The current version of SB 196 has conservatives worried. John Stemberger of the Florida Family Policy Council and a driving force behind the success of Florida’s 2008 marriage amendment, has argued that similar pieces of legislation in other states have helped in court battles legalizing same-sex marriages.
