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Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Resources

History of GLBTQ Rights in Florida

"An Essay on the History of Lesbian & Gay Rights in Florida" by Allan H. Terl, Nova Law Review, 2000, v.24, pp.793-853
24 Nova L. Rev. 793

"A Look at Lesbian & Gay Rights in Florida Today: Confronting the Lingering Effects of Legal Animus" by William E. Adams, Jr., Nova Law Review, 2000, v.24, pp.751-768
24 Nova L. Rev. 751

"Privacy Jurisprudence & the Apartheid of the Closet, 1946-1961" by William N. Eskridge, Jr., Florida State University Law Review, Summer 1997, v.24, pp.703-838
24 Fla.St.U.L.Rev 703

History of State Legislation in Florida

1868 - Crimes Against Nature

Crime Against Nature. Punishment. Whoever commits the abominable and detestable crime against nature, either with mankind or with beast, shall be punished by imprisonment in the State prison not exceeding twenty years. (Ch. 1637, Sub-Ch. 8, Acts 1868, section 17)

Compiled General Laws of Florida, 1927, section 7567

1917 - Unnatural & Lascivious Acts

An Act Prescribing Punishment for Unnatural and Lascivious Acts
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. Whoever commits any unnatural and lascivious acts with another person shall be punished by fine not exceeding five hundred ($500.00) dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Section 2. This Act shall not be so construed as to repeal any of the provisions of Section 3534 of the General Statutes of Florida.
Approved May 28, 1917

Laws of Florida, 1917, Chapter 7361 (No. 103)

1971 - Crimes Against Nature - 2nd degree felony

Florida Statutes
800.01 Crimes against nature; punishment. Whoever commits the abominable and detestable crime against nature, either with mankind or with beast, shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in sections 775.082, 775.083 or 775.084.
800.02 Unnatural and lascivious act. Whoever commits any unnatural and lascivious act with another person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in sections 775.082 or 775.083.

Laws of Florida, 1971, Chapter 71-136, sections 777 & 778

1974 - Crimes Against Nature - Repealed

Chapters 794, and 800, Florida Statutes, except sections 794.05, 800.02, 800.03, and 800.04 are repealed.

Laws of Florida, 1974, Chapter 74-121, section 1

1977 - Ban on Gay Adoption

1991 - Florida Hate Crimes Reporting Act - addition of "sexual orientation"

1997 - Marriage Statute