Florida to Defend Traditional Marriage
June 26th, 2013 by Mike VasilindaToday’s Supreme Court ruling on Gay Marriage is expected to have limited impact here in Florida, but advocates say it should be seen as a call to action.
Six of every ten voters approved the Florida Marriage Protection Act in 2008. It says the state can only recognize a marriage between one man and one woman. The addition to the constitution is a road block to legal challenges in Florida and Governor Rick Scott says he’s going to follow the law.”The voters in 2008 decide that we are going to be a traditional marriage state, and that is what the voters decided. It’s my job as governor to uphold the law of the land” Scott told a gaggle of reporters.
“And if there were to push to change, would you take the position on it.” asked a reporter.
“Well, look, I’ve been married since I’m, since I was 19, I believe in tradition marriage” responded Scott.
Gay activists say the state is changing. Voters this past year elected two openly gay members of the state legislature. Joe Saunders even brought his partner for the swearing in.
Jim VanRiper of Equality Florida says the ruling should be seen by gay activists as a call to action.
“In the past, you know, maybe people didn’t pay much attention to it, but we are bringing to the forefront of attention and you know, I think we are going to see a significant drive in this day to repeal the Constitutional Amendment” says VanRiper.
“Gay activists have basically three options for trying to change the constitution, they can come here to the legislator and get them to put it on the ballet, they can have an initiative petition or they can wait for four years for the constitution revisions commission.
And voters will still have a final say on any constitutional changes.
Asked if the he would defend a law suit if one were filed, Rick Scott didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, yes.” Said Scott, leaving no doubt he meant it.
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