TALLAHASSEE – Tuesday, Jan. 26, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear The Florida Competitive Workforce Act (SB 120) which would prohibit discrimination against LGBT people in employment, housing and public accommodations. This is the first time the legislation will be heard by legislators.
“This is a huge breakthrough not only for Florida but for the South and the nation as the third most populous state takes up long overdue, basic protections.,” said Nadine Smith, Equality Florida’s executive director. “The Florida Competitive Workforce Act has bipartisan support in both chambers, the support of Fortune 500 Companies, over 400 small businesses and a strong majority of Floridians. It’s time for Florida to pass this common-sense legislation.”
Currently 55% of Florida’s population, in 38 municipalities, are protected at the local level by nondiscrimination laws, but no uniform statewide law exists, leaving many vulnerable to discrimination. The bill would add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to pre-existing nondiscrimination laws that already cover race, religion, disability, age and other categories.
Since the start of legislative session on January 12, The Florida Competitive Workforce Act has picked up critical support in the Senate with the addition of Senators Jack Latvala (R) and Travis Hutson (R) as co-sponsors.
The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FSHCC) has also joined the statewide coalition pushing for passage. Recognized as one of the Top Five Chambers in the Nation by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, FSHCC communicates with a network of 80,000 Hispanic small business owners in Florida.
