The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has released a proposed revision to the rule that establishes licensure for child-caring facilities (65C-14). Despite improvements to the rule, it retains a framework that places children in facilities based on flawed gender ideology.
The State of Florida has an obligation for all the children in its care, including those who experience gender dysphoria. Every child needs to be safe and free from bullying and to receive assistance dealing with their unique challenges. However, the rule goes too far in failing to consider the well-being of other children in a residential facility.
The Regular Session of the Florida Legislature came to a close (sine die) at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, March 11. The motion to adjourn sine die, Latin for 'without day,' is the last action of a session of the Florida legislature.
After passing the House on Wednesday, HB 43 (Plakon) achieved final passage in the Senate on Thursday, and is on its way to Governor Scott for his signature. The bill prevents churches or religious organizations - or individuals employed by these entities, including clergy - from being forced to solemnize any marriage or provide services, facilities or goods for related purposes if such action would violate sincerely held religious beliefs.
In the wake of last year's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that redefined marriage to accommodate same-sex couples, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday voted (7-3) to approve SB 110 (Bean), a measure dubbed the 'Pastor Protection Act.'
During committee meetings leading up to the January 12 start of the 2016 Florida Legislative Session, HB 43 by Rep. Plakon (R-Longwood) was passed by the Civil Justice Subcommittee (9-4). The bill provides that churches or religious organizations, or individuals employed by these entities, including clergy, may not be required to solemnize any marriage or provide services, facilities or goods for related purposes if such action would violate sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill protects these entities and individuals from certain legal actions, penalties, or government sanctions.
The Church frequently reminds us that we are to care for all of God’s people, especially the weakest and most defenseless among us. Pregnancy support services provide care and protection for some of our society’s most vulnerable members by offering assistance to women throughout their pregnancies and as they welcome their children into the world. Florida is home to numerous pregnancy help centers, many of which receive funding assistance through the Florida Pregnancy Care Network.
Three weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a right to marry, the State of Florida filed a motion for dismissal in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a federal case challenging the constitutionality of Florida's definition of marriage as solely between a man and a woman.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) applauds today's passage of HB 7111, Conscience Protection for Private Child-Placing Agencies, by the Florida House of Representatives.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The following is a statement from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops on HB 7111, Conscience Protection for Private Child-Placing Agencies, passed today by the Florida House Judiciary Committee:
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Catholic Bishops of Florida have issued a statement addressing the redefinition of marriage in Florida to accommodate couples of the same sex.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The following is a statement from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops in response to the ruling by Judge Robert L. Hinkle in the consolidated cases of Brenner v. Scott and Grimsley v. Scott:
