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FL Judge Denies Restraining Order for Gay Victim of Domestic Violence

Florida Circuit Judge Marc Gilner refused to issue a restraining order to protect a gay man from domestic violence. The decision has become somewhat of a trend in FL, as no county clerks have issued applications for domestic violence injunctions to lesbians and gays since the judge’s order. Gilner argued that lesbians and gays are not legally recognized as families, since Florida does not recognize gay marriage, and are therefore ineligible for domestic violence protection. Neighboring counties disagree with Gilner, and issue domestic violence injunctions regardless of sexual orientation. Gilner gave a hand-written denial to the victim, arguing that “Florida law does not recognize same-sex, live-in relationships as family,” and denying him protection from violence.

Sources:

ACLU News - August 7, 2000

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