Wilton Manors Applauds Rulings against Same Sex Marriage Ban in Florida

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Aug 29, 2014, 08:30 ET

WILTON MANORS, Fla., Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With a large portion of its population unable to enjoy the legal rights and privileges that millions of married Floridians take for granted, the City of Wilton Manors applauds the recent court rulings in our state which find that the ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional.

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City of Wilton Manors 2013 Stonewall Festival. (PRNewsFoto/City of Wilton Manors)

The most recent came from U.S District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle of Tallahassee on August 21.

"Those who enter opposite-sex marriages are harmed not at all when others are given the liberty to choose their own life partners and are shown the respect that comes with formal marriage. Tolerating views with which one disagrees is a hallmark of civilized society," Judge Hinkle wrote.

The Judge stayed his decision pending appeal to a higher court, but he predicts future Floridians and Americans will look back on the ban on same sex marriage with curiosity and contempt. "When observers look back 50 years from now, the arguments supporting Florida's ban on same-sex marriage, though just as sincerely held, will again seem an obvious pretext for discrimination," wrote Hinkle.

"It's clear that the LGBT community has reached a point of no return and will continue to fight for marriage equality," stated Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick. "Judges in four Florida counties and a federal judge have ruled that Florida's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. This is the time for Florida to be on the right side of history and declare that inequality and discrimination will not be tolerated or supported."

As a result of the 2010 US Census, the City of Wilton Manors was named the "Second gayest City" in the United States. With a large percentage of the population identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, Wilton Manors has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most progressive places to live, work and play for many years.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, 954-732-0754 (or) [email protected]

SOURCE City of Wilton Manors