Gay Rights Petition

We the homosexuals should be able to marry who we want, be treated fairly, and live our lives peacefully. Just because our sexual orientation is different is no reason to deserve to live a life of fear, be threatened, or be treated violently. We should be able to walk down the street holding hands, show public affection (where appropriate), and have the right to be ourselves. If heterosexuals can, why can't we? Homosexuals are people too! We have feelings too! Should we have to be denied benefits, employment, and more because of our sexual orientation? The answer is NO! I feel that the Equal Rights Amendment should be amended to include discrimination against sexual orientation. I also feel that Florida and every other state should amend its laws to allow same sex marriages. We have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If being a homosexual makes you happy, your rights should be protected. Join us in the fight for equality and to be treated fairly.

For the information below, you must visit the "SOURCE" and locate the information for your state.

SOURCE - (12:29 AM EST - Copyright2004 by Findlaw.com) "If you are gay or lesbian and your state does not have a law that protects you from workplace discrimination, you may still be protected by city and county ordinances. There are at least 124 cities and counties that prohibit discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation -- from Albany, NY, to Ypsilanti, MI. In addition, some enlightened companies have adopted their own policies prohibiting such discrimination." (By clicking "next" at the bottom of the section" The next page states:) Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation: If you live in a place that has no specific laws protecting you, there may still be hope. Depending on the exact nature of the discrimination, you may be able to sue your employer -- or your co-workers -- on a number of legal theories that apply to everyone, including gay men and lesbians: intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, harassment, assault, battery, invasion of privacy, defamation, interference with an employment contract, and wrongful termination.

SOURCE - (12:32 AM EST - Copyright 1997-2004 by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund) " There are now 13 states with anti-discrimination laws in the United States, all of these laws protect at least lesbian and gay employees, some go further. In addition, municipalities across the country are also adopting civil rights ordinances to cover lesbians and gay men in areas such as employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, union practices and education. Anti-Discrimination Law - Florida does not have a law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Domestic Partnership - Florida does not offer domestic partnership benefits. Marriage Law 1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 147: Introduced by Rep. Johnny Byrd. Would restrict marriage to different-sex couples only, and deny recognition to lawful marriages of same-sex couples under all circumstances. Passed in stacked Governmental Operations Committee, and then passed the full House on March 25. On May 29, Gov. Lawton Chiles chose not to veto the bill, allowing it to become law without his signature. Senate Bill 272: Introduced by Sen. John Grant (R). Passed Judiciary Committee March 12; passed Senate. Hate Crimes Law - Florida's hate crimes laws include sexual orientation.

If you agree to the information provided above, and feel comfortable, please sign the petition.