The ban: Discriminating or protecting tradition?

Florida’s ban on same sex marriage serves no purpose other than discrimination, according to a LGBT civil rights leader.

"People who are losing a spouse are denied those basic protections," says Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida.

A federal judge recently overturned Florida's voter-approved ban on same sex marriage, which Smith calls a "tremendous victory."

She thinks the Florida Supreme Court should pick up the issue right away.

“Every day that is a delay is a hardship for our families.”

Smith says same sex couples don’t have access to all of the protections as traditionally married couples: federal benefits when a spouse dies, in-state tuition, and homestead exemption.

“We’re gonna be talking a great about Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is actively impeding the path to full equality.”

Smith says Equality Florida thinks it’s time for Governor Rick Scott to “stop ducking this question and show the leadership that Pam Bondi has refused to show on this issue.”

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WOKV News reached out on Facebook for alternative perspectives to same sex marriage in Florida.  Here are some of the responses:

Duane Heighton: “Marriage is based on religious doctrine not legislative laws. Let the churches decide.”

Nancy Nadeau: “The ONLY reason government is involved is $$$.  It's NONE of the governments business!  Marriage is a Church Sacrament therefore it should be left to the Churches to decide!”

Charyl Murray:  “YES, I support the BAN. Judges are NOT HERE TO CHANGE LAWS....they are here to uphold the laws. Legislatures change laws.....These judges need to be put back in their place.....”

Rob Bixby: “I don't give a damn who marries who, but, the people of this state decided not to allow two people of the same sex to marry. A liberal, activist judge decides we don't have the rights to make those decisions in our state. And will someone please tell me where in the Constitution, it says anything about marriage. That's a state issue, not federal.”

Louis A Tamási: “Marriage is a sacred commitment between a man and a woman for the purposes of raising children in the Faith of God and love of Jesus Christ. The love you have for one another comes from your love of God and you wish to share this love with the next generation.”

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