Gay marriage is already illegal in Florida. So you wouldn't think a constitutional amendment banning it would be necessary. But Amendment 2 is on the ballot and the race is incredibly tight.
I find it truly disheartening that anyone would seek to enshrine discrimination in our state constitution. Forgive me, but I can't help taking this one personally.
Florida requires constitutional amendments to pass by 60%, not a simple 50% majority. The latest polls, however, have the ban hovering just under the 60% mark, but well within the margin of error. Undecided voters, who typically break in favor of these things, just may push this mean-spirited amendment through. And we just don't know what a large African American turnout, which is expected to help push Obama over the top in Florida, will do to Amendment 2. There are strong ties between the African American community and the church, many of which are unfortunately and decidedly unhelpful.
If passed, Amendment 2 will make Florida one of the most backwards states in the country. This provision is certain to cause grief and suffering to thousands of couples, whether they're gay or not. The amendment (1) bans any legal union that is the "substantial equivalent" of marriage, (2) would jeopardize the benefits and health insurance that many employers provide to unmarried, heterosexual couples; and (3) puts at risk hospital visitations rights of unmarried couples. The same language has been used in other states to overturn civil unions and domestic partnerships.
How dare they try to take away my rights.
If you properly read the amendment.. well let me quote it.
"Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife." would not this part LIMIT Florida to one marriage.
"no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."
and would not this part LIMIT Florida from ANY OTHER including opposite sex as well as same sex unions or marriages.
I do believe that Florida IS on the verge of wiping out all legal unions, including opposite sex and same sex unions. That includes marriages also, as tha amendment does not allow for ANY multiple copies of marriage.