{"id":181219,"date":"2026-03-06T20:44:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T20:44:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/181219\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T20:44:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T20:44:09","slug":"lgbtq-advocacy-at-the-florida-capitol-the-flagler-college-gargoyle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/181219\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ+ Advocacy at the Florida Capitol \u2013 The Flagler College Gargoyle"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Logan Johnson<\/p>\n

A string of anti-LGBTQ+ bills are advancing quickly through the Florida House and Senate toward final vote as Florida\u2019s 60-day legislative session is under way. Lawmakers, lobbyists, concerned citizens and the occasional journalist swarmed the capitol complex to give their input on the issues.<\/p>\n

\"\"Equality Florida<\/a> organizer Sean Crumpacker briefs volunteers outside the Florida capitol cafeteria. After the meeting, Equality Florida volunteers met with lawmakers urging them to oppose HB 641, the \u2018Don\u2019t Don\u2019t Say Gay or Trans At Work\u2019 bill and HB 743, the \u2018More Lawsuits for Teachers and Doctors\u2019 bill. Both bills have made it out of their respective committees and are hurdling towards the house floor for final vote. Feb. 18, 2026. Photo by Logan Johnson.<\/p>\n

\"\"David Poole, retired director of Government Affairs for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) speaks outside the steps of the Florida Capitol alongside AHF organizers. The Florida Department of Health\u2019s (FDOH) attempt to cut funding for HIV medications provided to low-income Floridians in January has kicked off legal battle between AHF and FDOH. Feb. 18, Photo by Logan Johnson.<\/p>\n

\"\"State Sen. Ileana Garcia (R-Miami), chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice addresses the members and audience. Garcia temporarily postponed SB 1632 \u2013 a piece of legislation that would empower the state to label groups in Florida as domestic terrorist organizations \u2013 for consideration the following week after lobbyists and citizens filled the room to oppose the bill. Feb. 18, 2026. Photo by Logan Johnson.<\/p>\n

\"\"State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) and State Sen. Rosalind Osgood (D-Broward) whispers during the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice hearing on Feb. 18, 2026. The hearing would have considered SB 1632 until Chairwoman Ileana Garcia (R-Miami) temporarily postponed the bill\u2019s consideration until the following week. Photo by Logan Johnson.<\/p>\n

\"\"State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) talks to Equality Florida organizers after the Criminal Justice committee hearing. While the bill being postponed may be disappointing to concerned citizens who traveled hours to testify, Equality Florida organizer Sean Crumpacker noted that repeatedly postponing bills is how controversial legislation dies in committee, never becoming law. Feb. 18, 2026. Photo by Logan Johnson.<\/p>\n


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