Florida House bills bluntly entitled “Anti-Diversity in Local Government” continue to advance through the state’s legislative bodies to potentially reach a floor vote next week. The new bills – HB 1001 / SB 1134 — would restrict Florida counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official action related to programming that references sexual orientation or identity, according to Miami Living.
If passed, these changes would affect public-sector grants, municipal promotions, Tourism Development Council funding, and other forms of government support that include LGBTQ+ cultural programming. The bills define DEI efforts as “training, programming, or activities” that reference or center race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
According to a recent release from Equality Florida, a public response is mounting from those who “recognize the financial peril these bills represent.” This includes the inability to contract with some qualified vendors, and defending against lawsuits from anyone alleging a violation.
Already, every member of the Miami Beach City Commission has signed a letter urging state leaders to drop the bill, claiming its passage could lead to an annual loss in billions of dollars statewide. The bill also threatens other aspects of Florida’s public safety and cultural diversity. Equality Florida notes that Jewish and Black film festivals could be canceled, statewide emergency alerts may not be translated into other languages, and health initiatives that benefit the public could be shut down. This could also expand to affect gender-specific homeless shelters and similar organizations.
For the LGBTQ+ community in Florida this means Pride festivals and other LGBTQ+ cultural events could be at risk, alongside inclusive arts programs. Organizations like the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida could face operational blocks, as they’re supported by public funding and partnerships to stay above water.
To help defeat these bills, contact Equality Florida.
