Florida: Statewide LGBT Protections Bill Introduced

A sweeping new LGBT protections bill has been filed simultaneously in the Florida House and Senate today:

From Equality Florida:

Representative Holly Raschein (R- Key Largo) and Democratic Whip Senator Joseph Abruzzo (D- Boynton Beach) filed legislation in the Florida House and Senate respectively that would prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Known as the Florida Competitive Workforce Act (FCWA), the legislation would amend Chapter 760 of the Florida State Statutes that currently prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or marital status to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The bill would add protections for more than 536,000 LGBT adults living in Florida.

Last year Rep. Raschein served as the prime co-sponsor of the bill and helped to secure more than 10 GOP co-sponsors.

“All hardworking people—including those who are gay or transgender—should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living to provide for themselves and their families. Nobody should have to live in fear of being fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance,” said Rep. Raschein

With bipartisan support in the legislature and increased support from both the business community and the public at large, the FCWA will make Florida a more attractive place in which to live and work.

“In order to remain economically competitive in a global marketplace, Florida must provide an environment that is welcoming to all,” said Sen. Abruzzo. “Recruiting and retaining talent regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity will only serve to enhance our reputation and augment our economic viability.”

Although there is strong public support, there are currently no statewide LGBT protections banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Florida.