It’s a new year and the fight for full equality will not slow down as a predominantly Republican congress moves in.
There were a couple of triumphs in 2010 to be proud of, I would like to point out.
In September, a Florida appeals court completely threw out the ban on gay adoptions. For over 30 years, gay men and women could not adopt in the state of Florida, Sept. 22 will definitely be remembered as a happy day for many gay couples wanting kids. The court ruled the ban on gay adoption was unconstitutional.
Then, another huge advancement was on Dec. 18, during winter break. We were all most likely home with our families when it was announced that the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law was finally repealed after a long struggle through congress and senate. I watched with my father as each senator spoke their vote with a final 65 for repeal, 31 against repeal. I then checked to see how Florida’s senators voted and was ashamed to say George LeMieux is one of our senators. I saw he voted against the repeal and right away sent him an e-mail stating I was very disappointed in him for his vote. I have yet to get an e-mail back, even though I did ask for a response. I then e-mailed Bill Nelson to thank him for his continued support for LGBT rights.
It was a great day to watch Barack Obama sign the repeal of DADT on Dec. 22. It was a nice Christmas present to all the gay soldiers fighting in the war still hiding their identity. Even though it is not completely in effect, just yet. It will not go into full effect until Defense Secretary and Congress sign off that the military is prepared to put in a repeal and then it will be 60 long days until the ban is officially taken out of the law books. It’s been 17 years too long.
I think this past year was fantastic. The fight was tough and long and we’re not finished yet. Next fight…marriage equality.
Happy New Year GSA!! Let 2011 be even bigger and better than 2010!
