Same-sex marriage in the state of Florida is still illegal, but city commissioners in Fort Lauderdale have signed a resolution in support of it.
While the resolution will not legalize same-sex marriage, proponents say it's important that Fort Lauderdale make its stance opposing the statewide ban known, the Sun Sentinel reports.
"I think it's critical that the message about equality for all people [is received]," Chad Thilborger, who spoke at the meeting, said in a phone interview with WLRN. "This is not a gay marriage issue, it's a marriage equality issue."
Fort Lauderdale is just next to Wilton Manors, which is "anecdotally known as South Florida's gayest city," says the Miami Herald's Steve Rothaus.
The marriage equality resolution passed 3-2 at the Fort Lauderdale city commission meeting Tuesday night. Mayor Jack Seiler and Vice Mayor Romney Rogers voted against it. But Seiler says it "was a very difficult decision."
"I will continue to support civil unions with full and equal benefits," Seiler said in an e-mail to WLRN. "I believe gays and lesbians should have equal rights under the law."
