FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 19, 2005

Miami Beach Passes Workplace Equality Ordinance 10th Municipality in Nation to Enact Law

"The City of Miami Beach should be applauded for their leadership in promoting workplace fairness and supporting all families, including those who are headed by same-sex couples."

(Miami Beach, FL, October 19, 2005) — This morning, the City of Miami Beach unanimously passed a significant workplace equality ordinance that will help bring the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community one step closer to full equality in the workplace. The Equal Benefits Ordinance requires vendors who do business with the City to offer their employees domestic partner benefits if the vendor offers spousal benefits to its married employees.

NCLR worked closely with Miami's SAVE DADE and Equality Florida to introduce the legislation. Karen Doering, National Center for Lesbian Rights Regional Counsel, worked with the Miami Beach City Attorney's office to help draft the ordinance.

Doering made the following statement: "It is encouraging to see the Miami Beach City Commissioners pass such an important piece of legislation. NCLR applauds their leadership in promoting workplace fairness and supporting all families, including those who are headed by same-sex couples."

With this vote, Miami Beach becomes the 10th municipality in the country to pass a law requiring the city to do business only with vendors who provide equal benefits to employees in same-sex relationships.

SAVE DADE advocates for equal rights for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. www.savedade.org