Florida Now Ranks in Top Five States for Protecting GLBT Citizens from Discrimination

​While Florida may have an amendment enshrined in its constitution that forbids gays and lesbians from even seeking civil unions, a new report from Equality Florida claims that Florida now ranks among the top five states in the nation in protecting its gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered citizens from discrimination. Despite the passage of Amendment 2 in 2008, the report highlights the number of laws protecting the rights of the GLBT community passed since 1997 in Florida on both a local and state level. We've come a long way since Anita Bryant.

The report highlights the recent appeal of Florida's gay adoption ban. The majority of Florida's citizens also now live in communities that have ordinances outlawing discrimination in both employment and housing based on sexual orientation.  1 out of every 3 Floridians can also take advantage of domestic partnership registries or public employee domestic partner benefits, and a 2008 state law takes aim at bullying in public schools based on sexual orientation.

Equality Florida also claims to have helped defeat several anti-gay laws since it was founded in 1997.

Here's a graphic highlighting laws concerning GLBT rights in 1997:

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​And as of today:

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​Click here to view Equality Florida's full report.