Antimarriage
Amendment Goes to Ballot in Florida

A measure to deny family benefits to unmarried couples in Florida now has enough signatures to be placed on the November ballot, according to state election officials. Florida4Marriage spearheaded the petition drive, which was contested by a coalition of organizations called Fairness for All Families.

"After four years of signature gathering the only surprise is how narrowly it seems they reached the minimum requirements," said Barbara DeVane, FFAF board member. "As Floridians come to understand that this measure strips away essential family protections, the more they are saying no to the deceptively named amendment."

Fairness for All Families plans to continue to educate voters and mobilize volunteers across the state. According to DeVane, the amendment also threatens the basic employment and health care benefits of municipal employees such as police officers and firefighters as well as domestic-partner benefits relied upon by many Florida seniors. (The Advocate)