South Florida Press Critical of Upcoming Ballot Initiative

Several high profile South Florida newspapers have already come out against the state’s upcoming ballot initiative defining marriage as "the legal union of only one man and one woman." In a Florida Today editorial published on February 6, the paper says: "…the gay-marriage ban attempts to slip bigotry into the state constitution under the guise of Christian values. But its intent is to harm and punish, solely on the basis of whom an individual chooses to love or live with." A Palm Beach Post editorial stated the amendment "could make things tougher for Florida companies trying to recruit employees." South Florida Sun-Sentinel columnist Michael May wrote last month that the amendment is “pretty needless, when you consider gay marriage is already illegal in Florida."  

It appears that media might be taking a more critical look at the intent of amendments like the one in Florida. The repercussions of ballot initiatives around so-called political "wedge issues" – like marriage for gay and lesbian couples – merit rigorous examination by media, especially since this particular amendment would affect businesses, seniors with domestic partner benefits and, of course, committed gay and lesbian couples throughout the state. In contrast to earlier elections, many high profile politicians are not coming out in favor of this initiative. Florida’s popular Republican Governor Charlie Crist has tried to distance himself from the initiative by saying it is unnecessary.  The media response by journalists and politicians highlight how these issues transcend the simplistic red vs. blue divide the media all too often relies on in its coverage of LBGT issues.