Florida gay couples file suit seeking the right to marry

Associated Press ^ | February 25, 2004 | Associated Press Staff

[MeekOneGOP]

Florida gay couples file suit seeking the right to marry

11:38 AM CST on Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - More than 170 gay men and women filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the Florida law prohibiting them from obtaining marriage licenses.

The suit, filed in Broward County court, is believed to be the first formal legal challenge to the state law specifying that marriage licenses be issued only to parties consisting of one male and one female.

"An idea whose time has come can never be stopped," said attorney Ellis Rubin, who represents the 175 plaintiffs. "This idea's time is now."

The suit names only Broward Court Clerk Howard Forman as a defendant. He issues wedding licenses in the county, following state laws.

The recent furor over same-sex unions was sparked by a Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling that barring gay couples from marriage is unconstitutional and further fueled by the recent decision by officials in San Francisco – in apparent defiance of California law – to allow homosexuals to wed.

More than 3,200 couples, including some from Florida, have joined the California marriage rush in recent days. Those unions are not recognized in the Sunshine State, however, as Florida is among 38 states formally banning same-sex unions.

"We're people, human beings, American citizens. We pay our taxes," said James Stewart, a retired teacher from Dania Beach. "It's an old cliched line, but you know what? If we're going to pay our taxes, we deserve every right that should be granted to every American citizen."

President Bush urged Congress Tuesday to approve a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, virtually ensuring that the topic will be a source of debate during this year's presidential campaign.

Bush's top Democratic challengers, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, both oppose gay marriages but have said they would not support banning them by constitutional amendment.

A spokesman for Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's brother, reaffirmed the governor's belief Wednesday "in the sanctity of marriage."

"The governor believes marriage should be between a man and a woman," spokesman Jacob DiPietre said. "We've had a law on the books in Florida since 1977 banning gay marriage and the governor took an oath of office to uphold the laws of the state."

Some Florida cities and counties, including Broward, recognize certain aspects of commitments existing outside the parameters of traditional marriage between a man and a woman.

Those on Broward County's payrolls are eligible to have their same-sex partner covered by their work-provided health insurance, plus receive other benefits typically extended to spouses of the opposite sex.

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Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/022504dnnatgay.64568.html

[MeekOneGOP]

More 'in your face' activism by the fruitcake crowd.

A spokesman for Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's brother, reaffirmed the governor's belief Wednesday "in the sanctity of marriage."

"The governor believes marriage should be between a man and a woman," spokesman Jacob DiPietre said. "We've had a law on the books in Florida since 1977 banning gay marriage and the governor took an oath of office to uphold the laws of the state."

[goldstategop]

They just want to test the public's tolerance and see how much BS they can get away with before people have had enough.

[madprof98]

The ever-so-tolerant sheeple will let this one slide too.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I'm filing suit to be the President. If all these other guys can do it why can't I? I feel I am being treated like a second class citizen. Not being President is also keeping me from being happy. Want to join in a class action suit that all of us should be the President?

CG

[concerned about politics]

They're coming to morally and fiscally bankrupt a town near you.
Notice how they're going where the activist judges are!!

Taxpayers are paying to defend themselves from the demonic minion's. People of Florida need to be reminded of that.

[MeekOneGOP]

Note to all fruits: I've had enough. Now STOP THAT !!

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The gays are asking for a rebuke in November.

[joesnuffy]

just keep judge shopping plenty of 'activist' sodomite judges & friends out there....

[martinidon]

I contend this is a large dem plan orchestrated to divide the Republican party. These flare ups of this issue across the country has been planned for some time. This is not a major issue for moderates like myself. I would rather see the Republican party focus on Terrorism, Taxes and the Economy.

[concerned about politics]

Boy Scouts, Marriage, and they're also going after those who run soup kitchens, homeless shelters and meals on wheels because they will not OBEY! - The Salvation Army (BTW, they could use donations to pay the legal fees they've run up to fight off the Demonic homosexual onslaught).

The evil homosexuals are out to destroy everything good and moral to validate their vile lifestyles. They'll take down anyone or anything that stands in their way.

[concerned about politics]

This is not a major issue for moderates like myself. I would rather see the Republican party focus on Terrorism, Taxes and the Economy.

You've only been here a week? You've missed the entire homosexual agenda.

[JesseHousman]

It's time to give these perverted fruitcakes a nation of their own.

The only problem is how can they be contained in their nation? Alcatraz would be ideal, albeit a snug fit, but then isn't that what they like best?

[george wythe]

This suit will probably go no where.

The Florida Supreme Court has already ruled that gay couples have no right to adopt, even after these gay couples have been the foster parents of a child from many years, and the only de facto family of the child.

Of course, SCoFLA can change its mind and jump into this bandwagon.

[JesseHousman]

You've missed the entire homosexual agenda.

On the other hand, perhaps not.

[JesseHousman]

This is not a major issue for moderates like myself.

And another darned thing: this country could stand a few less "moderates" who bury their heads in the sand or straddle the "center" line on all issues.

Moderates stand for nothing!

[microgood]

Next thing will be to sue their parents who refuse to attend their gay weddings. And they will find judges that will order the parents to go.

[martinidon]

"And another darned thing: this country could stand a few less "moderates" who bury their heads in the sand or straddle the "center" line on all issues."

Like it or not, you need "moderates" like me to win this next election

[RolandBurnam]

This case will be dismissed on the grounds that God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.

[martinidon]

no guarantee's with the Florida courts!

[hosepipe]

Whats NEXT...
Instead of maternity leave -->> Fraternity leave..?
equal rights and all that... amazing display of judicial slobbering.. this