FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 15, 2014
CONTACT: ACLU of Florida Media Office, media@aclufl.org, (786) 363-2737
TAMPA, FL - This afternoon, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to pass an ordinance creating a domestic partnership registry in the county. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida has worked with county commission members and local advocates in support of the creation of the registry, which allows both same- and opposite-sex couples to access important legal protections.
Responding to the vote, ACLU of Florida Director of Advocacy Joyce Hamilton Henry, who was in attendance at the commission meeting, stated the following:
“This is an important win for all families in Hillsborough County, and a culmination of years of hard work to ensure that everyone is treated with decency and fairness in our community.
“The domestic partnership registry means that all couples and families in our county – including those who are unable to get married because Florida’s discriminatory prohibition on marriages for same-sex couples remains in place – will have legal protections for frightening situations like medical emergencies. Now all families, regardless of gender, can have access to the tools they need to take care of one another in emergencies and secure their futures together.
“We applaud the Commissioners for their courageous and important vote today, especially Commissioner Kevin Beckner for taking the lead on this critical issue. We’re also grateful to those who were present in the chamber, as well as those who have been working with us for years to make this day possible.
“With today’s vote, combined with the vote two weeks ago to amend the county’s human rights ordinance, Hillsborough County has proven that it is a welcoming community that endeavors to treat all of its residents with fairness and respect.”
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