Debate on November 2008 Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Ban Same Sex Marriage in Florida
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
After a last minute push to get the necessary 611,000 signatures, Florida residents will be asked to vote in November on a proposed Constitutional Amendment that will ban same sex marriages in Florida. The issue is one that has evoked great emotion and conversation across Florida from proponents and opponents of the proposed Amendment. From 1998-2006, bans on gay marriages have been approved in 28 states across the country; however, in 2006, Arizona emerged as the first state to not pass such an amendment. The push for the Amendment is being led by John Stemberger, an Orlando-based attorney, and President and General Counsel for the Florida Family Policy Council; Mr. Stemberger will represent the view promoting the passage of the proposed Amendment. Patricia Ireland, former President of the National Organization for Women, and current Board Member of Florida Red and Blue, will provide the perspective against the proposed Amendment. While there are many legal and philosophical issues being discussed about this proposed amendment, the ballot language reads: “Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.” Please come prepared with your questions and plan to join us for this important meeting on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at the Silver Slipper!