Although voters in the Sunshine State banned same-sex marriage in last November’s election, a recent Miami commissioners’ vote rebolstered grass roots gay and lesbian efforts. Earlier this month, Miami commissioners approved domestic partnership (DP) benefits for city employees, which extends to same-sex couples.

An advocacy network is growing to effectively respond to opposition of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement in the state. Organizations United Together is a network formed earlier this year whose members include over 40 LGBT advocacy groups and individual activists.

Their hope is that a ripple effect will occur city-to-city, county-to-county that will eventually result in LGBT-friendly legislation at the state level.

As activists continue to push for change, progress is slow. Senator Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, sponsored a statewide domestic partner (DP) bill, SB 1642, earlier this year. Overshadowed by the state’s budget deficit, however, the bill stalled in committee.

OUT added momentum to the effort in March when they successfully blocked an attempted repeal to specific LGBT protections under Gainesville’s non-discriminatory ordinance.

Many groups, primarily Christian-based, are staunchly opposed to DP securities for same-sex partners. Defining those types of relationships also continues to be a battle.

The Christian camp continues in their stance that the traditional marriage, meaning between a man and a woman, is the cornerstone on which our civilization is founded and how our nation’s future is protected.

Some that oppose defining marriage, however, are in favor of DP benefit packages in order to enable local governments to provide competitive benefit packages and compete for quality employees.

LGBT groups and activists are hoping to broaden their support base by enlisting straight allies to further strengthen their cause.

What I am curious about is whether this type of controversy impacts the value or sale of real estate in any way. It could, I guess, if you live in a community that is opposed to same-sex households. Conversely, it could if you live in a community that supports same-sex households.

Regardless, the LGBT groups are intending to unite and move further legislation forward.