From Florida Politics –
The tone was contentious at the Florida A&M campus in Downtown Orlando Campus on Thursday night, as leaders from government, education, and the legal communities discussed the subject of same sex marriage from two opposing views.
The 6 person panel consisted of Rep. Scott Plakon, Orange County Clerk of Court Tiffany Moore-Russell, Professor Robert Minarcin, Professor and Clergyman Dr. Randolph Bracy Jr., Attorney Blaine McChesney, and Harry Coverston PHD.
Five of the members declared support of the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Same Sex Marriage, with Plakon alone in opposition, supporting traditional marriage.
The make-up of the panel put the Longwood State Representative on the defensive for the entire two hour discussion. The topic turned to his “Pastor Protection Act,” which would protect members of the religious community from prosecution if they chose not to conduct same-sex marriage.
“I truly believe there is space for LGBT justice and religious freedom, and this bill creates that space” said Plakon.
The bill was called unnecessary and it’s support questioned with Bracy saying “I don’t need to be protected. It makes no sense”
The discussion turned the Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis, who was arrested for refusing to issues same-sex marriage certificates. Clerk Moore-Russell said her elected position superseded her personnel beliefs…MORE HERE.
