The Miami Beach City Commission unanimously supported a resolution Wednesday urging the Florida Legislature to support a bill that will protect LGBT people from workplace discrimination.

“We are hoping that our city’s support for SAVE will add resonance to their voice in Tallahassee on behalf of all of our brothers and sisters who have been deprived of workforce equality,” said Commissioner John Elizabeth Alemán.  “The most fulfilling thing for a person is to achieve independence and to be able to provide for themselves and their family. Every person deserves the opportunity to contribute at their fullest potential.”

The Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, State Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), introduced the Florida Inclusive Workforce Act. It gave local LGBT activists hope it would have a chance at passing in the Republican-dominated Florida legislature.

“I am thankful for Miami Beach and not surprised. When it comes to LGBTQ rights some of the main leaders In South Florida have been from here. The mayors, the commission, they ’ve historically always been very supportive of our community. They always do the right things,” said Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE. “I appreciate the leadership of Commissioner John Aleman. She’s been a strong champion for LGBT rights.”

Some LGBT activists have come out in opposition to the bill because it only covers discrimination in the workplace, leaving the fight for housing and public accommodations for another day.   

There also appears to be confusion over whether FIWA protects the transgender community.

But FIWA is clear in that it adds both sexual orientation and gender identity to Florida’s Civil Rights Act. Additionally, a coalition of local trans groups came together releasing a statement of support.

Visit SFGN.com/FIWA for more coverage from SFGN.