Florida NOW

The Florida National Organization for Women (Florida NOW) vehemently denounces Florida Senator Randy Fine for his recent initiative to ban all flags except the United States flag from public structures across the state. This extreme measure is a direct affront to the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech and expression. It also targets the LGBTQIA+ community, the Black Lives Matter movement, the Palestinian flag, and other marginalized groups whose symbols of pride and protest have been essential in fostering equity and justice.

Representative Fine’s flag ban, cloaked in rhetoric about unity, is a thinly veiled attempt to erase the visibility of diverse communities that have long been subjected to systemic oppression. By restricting the display of flags that celebrate existence, inclusion, progress, and social justice, this bill seeks to silence the voices of those who strive for a better, more equitable, Florida.

If the flag ban passes, it will continue Governor DeSantis and the Florida legislature’s supermajority systematic decimation of public education and expression. It will become another act of repression, added to the erasure of DEI programs, banning books, financing charter schools, and more.

FLORIDA NOW REACTS:

Debbie Deland, President of Florida NOW, said, “This is not about patriotism; this is about power. Senator Fine’s actions undermine the principles of democracy by censoring the very symbols that give marginalized communities a platform to express their identities and demand change. The banning of flags, such as the Pride flag and the Black Lives Matter flag, sends a chilling message to Floridians who fight for justice and equality: that their struggles and contributions are unworthy of acknowledgment. This decision stands in stark contrast to the values enshrined in our Constitution, which champions the right to freedom of speech and expression for all. Silencing the symbols of marginalized communities does not erase their existence or their impact. Florida NOW will not stand by while our state’s leaders attempt to rewrite the narrative of equality and justice in Florida.”

CALL TO ACTION:

Florida NOW urges Floridians to contact their elected officials, submit opinions to news media, and demand that they reject this measure. We also encourage communities to continue displaying symbols of inclusion and solidarity as an act of resistance against attempts to stifle diversity.

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Florida NOW: Is an intersectional grassroots organization that promotes feminist ideals, leads societal change, eliminates discrimination, and protects the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life. We envision a Florida where all people experience true equality, equity, safety, and no community is marginalized.

Less than two months before the first ever openly transgendered member of Congress, Delaware Representative Sarah McBride, was to be sworn in, South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace introduced a bill to ban her from using the bathroom that corresponds with her gender identity.

Florida NOW strongly denounces this assault targeting Representative Sarah McBride and the broader transgender community. The proposed legislation, which aims to mandate individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth, is a blatant violation of human rights and dignity.

Rep. McBride, the first openly transgender state senator in U.S. history, has been a trailblazer for equality and inclusion. This attack not only disrespects her identity but also undermines the rights of all transgender individuals to live authentically and without fear. Such regressive policies perpetuate harmful stereotypes and foster a climate of discrimination and hostility.

FLORIDA NOW REACTS:
Debbie Deland, President of Florida NOW, said, “Florida NOW stands in solidarity with Rep. McBride and the transgender community. Forcing individuals to use bathrooms that do not align with their gender identity is not about safety—it is about control and marginalization. This legislation seeks to erase the humanity of transgender people and reverse decades of progress toward equality. Stand with us to ensure that every person—regardless of their gender identity—can live with dignity, safety, and respect. Together, we can make a difference.”

CALL TO ACTION:
We urge you to call or email your U.S. Florida Representatives, and Senators Rubio and Scott to voice opposition to this harmful legislation. Attend protests and rallies: Join events supporting transgender rights in your community to show solidarity and raise awareness. Support transgender
advocacy organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups working to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as Equality Florida, the Queer Trans Project, and the National Center for Transgender Equality. Speak out: Use social media and other platforms to condemn discriminatory legislation and
share stories that amplify the voices of transgender individuals.