Florida Action Alert: Repeal the Adoption Ban

Wednesday, July 22nd has been declared “Exploring Adoption Day” in Florida. Use this opportunity to help repeal the FL anti-LGBT adoption ban!
COLAGE applauds the introduction of HB 3 – Adoption, for the 2010 legislative session in Florida, introduced by Representative Mary Brandenburg, D – West Palm Beach, that is a full repeal of Florida’s ban on adoption by its gay and lesbian citizens. Senator Nan Rich has a companion bill in drafting at this date.
Governor Crist has declared Wednesday, July 22, 2009 as Explore Adoption Day and we must contact Governor Crist and the legislature to Explore Adoption by repealing the ban.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Make calls to the following elected officials to share your story and ask for support in repealing the anti-LGBT adoption ban:
Governor Charlie Crist (850) 488-7146 or email Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com
House Speaker Larry Cretul 850-488-1450 or 352-873-6564 or email Larry.Cretul@myfloridahouse.gov
Senate President Jeff Atwater 850-487-5100 or 561-625-5101 or email atwater.jeff.web@flsenate.gov
To find your Florida Representative visit this site – www.myfloridahouse.gov and for your Florida Senator – www.flsenate.gov
WHEN YOU CALL:
Please ask the Governor to support the repeal of the adoption ban on LGBT Floridians and ask him to encourage the legislative leadership to pass the repeal. Please ask the House Speaker and the Senate President to support the repeal and encourage Committee hearings for the bills.
Please ask your representative and senator to support the repeal, and to become a co-sponsor
* Share the fact that a recent poll, released January 22, 2009 by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, found that a clear majority of Floridians, 55% to 39%, believe the Florida legislature should repeal the ban. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1297.xml?ReleaseID=1250
* Share your own story as a person with an LGBTQ parent. You might talk about how growing up with a family that is discriminated against, for example by this adoption law, can be challenging or isolating. Or how as you respect and support your parents,you know our families are discriminated against because our families aren’t seen as ‘normal’. This means that sometimes we and our families don’t receive the equal respect, rights and validation as other families in FL. Make your message as personal as you can!
After you call your elected officials, let COLAGE know! Email us and tell us how you spoke out to make change on the adoption ban in Florida.