cityXtra Magazine

Florida tourism board comes out in support of same-sex marriage 

Florida doesn’t recognize any form of same-sex unions. Fort Lauderdale wants to change that

Tourism officials in Fort Lauderdale  a popular LGBT destination in Florida, want to repeal the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as the city with the highest number of same-sex couples in the US could be bolstered this year as two separate same-sex union lawsuits are debated in state and federal courts.

Pending before the state’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a lawsuit between six same-sex couples seeking to get married, and before the federal United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida is a lawsuit between eight same-sex couples who legally married elsewhere and are seeking legal recognition in Florida.

The focus on same-sex marriage is playing a huge role in LGBT travel discussions, with many travelers opting to spend money visiting destinations where same-sex marriage is legal, as it's often seen as a political reflection of accepting social values.

New York City reportedly reaped $259 million (€190 million) in economic benefit within the first year of legalizing same-sex marriage.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau President Nicki E Grossman said in a statement: 'After years of seeking equal rights for the LGBT community in Florida, it is the right time to do the right thing and allow same sex marriage throughout the state.’

In 2013, Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomed a reported 1.3 million LGBT visitors, drawing travelers with warm weather, outdoor activities, award-winning cuisine and a number of gay and lesbian hot spots.

This year Fort Lauderdale announced it was the latest city to join the Gay Days franchise, a weekend-long event of networking and partying for LGBT locals and tourists.

Fort Lauderdale has also led other city tourism boards in implementing gay-friendly photo and video campaigns into its tourism promotion, signaling they don’t just welcome but understand LGBT tourists.

Richard Gray, managing director for the LGBT market in Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau said: ‘We’ve come a long way in a short period and we hope the state will follow our lead and welcome the LGBT community with their wish to be married and have their marriages recognized here with warm, open and loving arms.’

62% of Florida residents voted in favor of a same-sex civil union and marriage ban in November 2008, however a June 2011 poll found that 67% of Florida voters supported legal recognition of same-sex couples in the form of either same-sex marriage or civil unions.