Senate Democrats unveiled a package of anti-discrimination legislation in Tallahassee Wednesday. It includes bills that cover gay rights, undocumented immigrants and felons. The legislation was presented on the 50th anniversary of the incoming Senate minority leader's arrest during a civil rights demonstration.
Arthenia Joyner is a Democratic state Senator from Tampa, but 50 years ago she was a college student getting arresting for being part of a nonviolent protest, just minutes from the state capitol. Senate Democrats used the 50-year anniversary of her arrest to present a package of bills that the caucus says address issues of discrimination.
Joyner said these bills are a part of her long-running fight for equality.
“It’s important everyday that we continue to fight for equality", said Joyner. "We’re rolling out this agenda this year with hopes that many of the – that all of the bills will pass. And if not then we’ll continue to file them.”
The bills are wide-ranging, from one that would eliminate pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, to another that would give undocumented immigrants a pathway to in-state tuition.