Despite Marriage Ban, Florida Lawmakers Try for Domestic Partnerships

Two Florida lawmakers are pushing for domestic partnerships in their state, but opponents say even that level of recognition for same-sex relationships is illegal because of a ban voters added to the constitution.

The Tallahassee Democratreports that a bill has been introduced in the Florida legislature's two chambers by two Democrats, Rep. Mark Pafford of West Palm Beach and Sen. Eleanor Sobel of Hollywood. Opponents say the law prohibits anything "substantially equivalent" to marriage, and that domestic partnerships would go too far toward that status -- even though they are already recognized in some localities and by the state university system.

Pafford argues for domestic partnerships on economic terms.

"I think since it is a business idea that would assist the economy, help bring more Fortune 500 companies to Florida. It has a chance. I'm an optimist," Pafford told the Democrat. "There's a political risk, but let's not look at it as a political risk. Let's look at what's good public policy."

Mallory Wells, public policy director for Equality Florida, said in a statement that the group already works with companies that offer domestic-partner benefits "because they recognize that workplace inequities create obstacles to attracting and retaining top talent."