Fort Lauderdale Commission To Vote On Resolution Endorsing Same-Sex MarriageUPDATE: Resolution Passes By 3-2 Vote

The vote is tonight. Via the Broward-Palm Beach New Times:

A Fort Lauderdale measure asking commissioners to openly support marriage equality and gay rights is in danger of not having enough votes to pass Tuesday. The measure, sponsored by openly gay Commissioner Dean Trantalis, is nonbinding. However, it would speak loudly for city officials to openly support marriage equality -- particularly officials who serve a city densely populated by the LGBT community. Still, with the vote happening at 6 p.m. at Fort Lauderdale City Hall, gay activists are looking at the real possibility that the resolution won't get the votes. Michael Rajner, a gay rights activist, sent out an email predicting that the resolution will go down in a 3-2 defeat.

From the editorial board of the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel:

It is obviously non-binding, but at least shows that the city — which has a sizeable LGBT population — is supporting equal marriage rights for all. The resolution also urges Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature to enact a law that would provide for marriage equality in Florida, which has banned same-sex marriage. The resolution deserves consideration and passage. In an area with a large gay population, and markets itself as a gay-friendly tourist destination, passing this resolution would send the right message of tolerance. Polls show the public supports same-sex marriage rights. It is time for Fort Lauderdale to be heard and to position itself on the right side of history.

If you can get to Fort Lauderdale City Hall by 6PM tonight, please consider doing so.

UPDATE: The resolution passed by a 3-2 vote.

Fort Lauderdale Commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of a marriage-equality resolution Tuesday, urging Gov. Rick Scott and the state Legislature to take action to legalize same-sex marriage. "If we're truly going to be an All-America city, we have to be a city for all Americans," said Commissioner Dean Trantalis, who proposed the resolution. Most speakers addressing the commission supported the resolution. Many had been forced to marry out of state or were planning weddings out of state because of Florida's ban. "We deserve this dignity," resident Chad Thilborger said. Only a couple of speakers opposed the resolution.