GFLGLCC and Equality Florida Join Forces in Broward County for "Another Business for Equality" Partnership

For Immediate Release

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES ANOTHER BUSINESS FOR EQUALITY PARTNERSHIP WITH EQUALITY FLORIDA                                        

Contact: Keith Blackburn
Keith@gflglcc.org

On the heels of the huge victory in the Supreme Court last week, we must all take time to congratulate our community for all of their hard work and dedication. Everyone made a contribution, but the momentum really built when our allies and corporate America joined in. Together, we turned the tide and at the end, the majority of Americans were behind us.

The NGLCC – National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, along with our chamber and 41 other LGBT chamber affiliates, Equality Florida and countless other organizations have all worked hard to make this happen.

In March of this year, the GFLGLCC joined the NGLCC and 379 organizations to become part of the Amicus Brief, which urged the Supreme Court to support marriage equality on the basis that “Employers are better served by a uniform marriage rule that gives equal dignity to employee relationships,” reads the brief, filed by global law firm Morgan Lewis. “Allowing same-sex couples to marry improves employee morale and productivity, reduces uncertainty, and removes the wasteful administrative burdens imposed by the current disparity of state law treatment.”

Our work isn’t over yet. In Florida and 27 other States, it is still legal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. In addition, we face legal discrimination in housing and in many cases; we can be refused goods and services because of who we are. This is obviously unacceptable and must change. What amazes me is that many people don’t realize this. In recent polls, 80% of Americans believe that it is illegal to fire someone because they are LGBT.

ENDA, the Employment Non Discrimination Act would provide basic protections from job discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It must become law.  While there have been multiple versions, none have been approved by our congress. In the latest version, passed by the US Senate almost 2 years ago, small business with less than 15 employees, military and religious organizations were exempt. 

We need ENDA to become law, without any exceptions. As it stands now, anyone in America can get married in the morning and if they live and work in one of the 28 states without protections (Including Florida), they can be fired that same day. That doesn’t sound very American, does it?  We must join together, using the momentum we've gained to ensure that this injustice ends with equality for all. 

The GFLGLCC is proud to announce a new partnership with Equality Florida's Another Business For Equality initiative, which spotlights pro-equality businesses that maintain and promote LGBT inclusive nondiscrimination policies and that support local and statewide nondiscrimination laws. By doing so we will improve Florida's reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and visit. All GFLGLCC members will have the $50 administration fee waived when they participate in the program.

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non Profit organization, which promotes business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community. They are an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality with a unified approach by working with appropriate organizations. Additional information can be found at GoGayFortLauderdale.com

For further information, please contact Keith Blackburn at Keith@gflglcc.org  

http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/