A Florida petition drive to ban same-sex marriages has resulted in a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot this November. The amendment will give the people of Florida a voice on an important and controversial issue: vote to legally define marriage as the union between one man and one woman, or turn the proposal down and leave the decision to legalize gay marriage in the hands of state judges.

Proponents of the amendment to the Florida Constitution maintain that it’s necessary to protect the institution of marriage and traditional families as foundations of our society. Domestic partnership rights advocates argue the amendment discriminates against gays and limits the legal rights and benefits that same-sex couples should enjoy. Join the Tower Forum for an election year preview of where the future of marriage in Florida is heading.

Speakers:

Eladio Jose Armesto, Publisher, El Nuevo Patria, will argue in favor of the amendment. Mr. Armesto has been a strong advocate for traditional family values in Florida and played a leading role in Take Back Miami-Dade, a Christian Coalition-affiliated group devoted to repealing pro-homosexual special rights.

Richard Milstein, Shareholder, Akerman Senterfitt, will speak against the amendment. A prominent Miami-based attorney whose practice areas include Family and Marital Law, Mr. Milstein advises clients, including alternative families and same-sex couples, on all aspects of their lives.