John Stemberger is CEO of the Florida Family Policy Council. The American Psychiatric Association, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and other medical associations oppose the practice. "I don't view it as an ethical practice and additionally I don't think it's possible to do," Norton says. Aaron Norton is president of the Association's Florida branch. It also tries to change someone's gender identity. The American Mental Health Counselors Association defines the practice as seeking to change someone's sexual orientation.
This year's proposal bans professional counselors and anyone who regulates the practice of medicine from using conversion therapy on minors. It didn't have protections for housing and public accommodations.īills banning conversion therapy have never been heard by the Florida Legislature. However, he drew criticism for his measure not going far enough. Joe Gruters backed a bill banning workplace discrimination against LGBTQ people. Last year, Florida Republican Chairman Sen. And they might not be getting this media coverage, they may not have that leadership position, they may not be that committee chairperson, but what they say becomes important." "The people who do get up and speak and everyone stops to listen, those are the people that have influence. DePalo-Gould, says even with that support, the measure will be tough sell unless someone influential within the Republican caucus decides to back it. But for at least six sessions there's been a Republican sponsor on bills prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ people. Republicans hold the majority in Florida's Legislature. So whatever leadership wants, whatever the speaker of the house wants, the senate president finds as their priority, and sometimes whatever the governor finds as a priority, right? Become everything that the Legislature discusses."ĪP Photo Participants with the Alliance for GLBTQ Youth march at the annual Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade, Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Miami Beach, Fla. "The Legislature in Florida is very top-down. She's studied the Florida Legislature for the past 15 years, and explains how the process works: Kathryn DePalo-Gould is faculty at Florida International University. But despite growing support for these efforts, they've only been heard twice. Doing so would grant them protections in in the workplace, housing, and more.
A House version of the bill is heading to chamber's floor.įor 11 years, lawmakers have been trying to pass measures banning discrimination against LGBTQ people. Stargel's bill is slated to be heard again during the first week of the legislative session. They went on and had the abortion and there's been a forever wedge in that relationship," she said. "I have other family members who didn't do that. It was a wonderful time in our relationship when I did tell my mother that I was pregnant," Stagel said.Īfter telling her mother about the ordeal, she says they became closer. "I thought for sure my mother would kill me when I told her that I was pregnant under age. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, debates on an abortion bill during session, Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Tallahassee, Fla.