Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi filed another motion Friday that continues the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
In August, a federal judge in Tallahassee struck down Florida’s gay marriage ban ruling it unconstitutional. The ruling was a victory for Florida’s LGBT community, and specifically the plaintiffs in the case.
Eight same sex couples from around the Sunshine state– as well as Arlene Goldberg of Fort Myers-- filed a lawsuit against the ban. Goldberg recently lost her wife and partner of 47 years and has been unable to receive benefits.
Despite striking down the ban, the judge stayed the effects of his ruling. That means the marriages of those couples—and others across Florida-- are still not recognized by the state.
The ACLU of Florida recently asked a judge to lift the stay. But, Attorney General Pam Bondi has decided once again to fight an effort to allow same sex marriage in the state.
“It’s disappointing that the Attorney General and Governor Scott have continued to go and continue fighting what now seems like the inevitable tide of history,” said ACLU of Florida Spokesman Baylor Johnson. “We are not surprised, but we are hopeful nonetheless that the judge will grant the motion, lift the stay and let love finally win here in Florida.”
Bondi recently said she wants the Florida Supreme Court to decide once-and-for-all whether same-sex couples can marry in the Sunshine State.
