Toledo-HB 161- Prohibited Discrimination

OPPOSE: HB 161, Prohibited Discrimination, by Toledo (Prime-Cosponsor, Webb) /SB 206 by Rouson: This bill prohibits “discrimination” based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public lodging establishments and public food service establishments. It revises provisions of Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 and the Fair Housing Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill also purports to provide an exception for constitutionally protected free exercise of religion. The “exception” reads, “This section does not limit the free exercise of religion guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the State Constitution.” Such an exception is vague and leaves business owners who have sincerely held religious or moral beliefs open to penalties. This bill would be especially onerous to people who own small businesses.

Neither of these bills were heard in any committees of reference this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.