Florida's tourism marketing agency has quietly removed the "LGBTQ Travel" section from its website, a development that has sparked concern among business owners who cater to the demographic. This change occurred throughout the past months, but some LGBTQ+-friendly listings can still be found through search queries on the site.
The decision is seen by some as part of a broader pattern of actions by state officials aimed at marginalizing the LGBTQ+ community. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has previously supported legislation that restricts classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, bans gender-affirming care for minors, and limits children's exposure to drag shows.
Most notably, state authorities are challenging Title IX amendments by the Biden administration, which seek to extend federal protections against sex discrimination to include LGBTQ+ students. State agencies are also denying updated birth certificates for transgender Floridians.
Visit Florida, the state's tourism marketing agency, is a public-private partnership that receives around $50 million annually from the state and plays a significant role in promoting it as a leading tourist destination. The state's tourism industry attracting nearly 141 million visitors in 2023, contributing over $102 billion to the economy.
The now-removed LGBTQ+ section of the website had previously highlighted Florida's appeal as an inclusive destination, especially for the community.
The removal of the section and other recent state policies have led to calls for boycotts and travel advisories from civil rights groups, warning that Florida's policies are "openly hostile" toward marginalized communities.
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