UPDATED: Capital City GLBTA Democratic Caucus Opposes Transgender Hate Bill HB583

The Capital City GLBTA Democratic Caucus has moved to oppose and denounce FL House Bill 583, relating to Single-sex public facilities. The bill, introduced by State Representative Frank Artiles, (R- Miami), is a misguided and dangerous bill that discriminates against the transgender community.

HB 583 would force individuals to use single-sex restrooms and public facilities that correspond with the sex identified on that person’s birth certificate, regardless of the person’s biological sex or gender identity. Those who violate the law could open themselves up to fines and jail time. The bill could also endanger children by prohibiting a parent or guardian of the opposite sex from assisting them in a public restroom or facility not specifically designated for family use. This legislation would preempt any local laws or ordinances, including city and county laws and university policies.

The Capital City GLBTA Democratic Caucus strongly condemns this Transgender Hate bill, and calls on members of the House to oppose this attempt to add discrimination to the Florida statutes. We join the statewide Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, Equality Florida, the Human Rights Campaign, and other LGBT advocacy groups throughout Florida in opposition to this bill.

“We hope the majority of our state legislators see this bill for what it really is – an attempt to harass and intimidate the transgender community” said Andy Janecek, President of the Capital City GLBTA Democratic Caucus. “There has been no evidence presented that this bill would add any protections for Florida’s citizens, but the damage it can inflict is readily apparent. We call on all state representatives to oppose this bill.”

The Capital City GLBTA Democratic Caucus is a chartered chapter of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, and advocates for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community in Tallahassee and throughout the panhandle.

UPDATE: On February 26, 2015, Republican Senator Charlie Dean filed SB 1464, a companion bill to HB 583.

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A Chartered Chapter of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus