January 2025 marked ten years since Florida secured marriage equality, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. To honor this milestone, SAVE and Equality Florida hosted a Recommitment to Marriage Equality event on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at St. John’s on the Lake in Miami Beach. The gathering was a celebration of progress, a tribute to those who fought for equality, and a call to action to protect hard-won rights. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!
Honoring a Historic Victory
On January 5, 2015, Florida Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel lifted the stay on her ruling in Pareto v. Ruvin, allowing same-sex marriages to begin in Miami-Dade County. The following day, January 6, 2015, Federal Judge Robert Hinkle lifted the stay on Brenner v. Scott, making marriage equality a reality across the state. In the days that followed, more than 1,400 couples exchanged vows, affirming their love and commitment in a historic wave of unity and joy. Just six months later, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges cemented marriage equality nationwide.
A Celebration with Purpose
The event brought together some of the key figures who played instrumental roles in these legal battles, including the plaintiffs and legal teams from Pareto v. Ruvin and Brenner v. Scott. Their courage and commitment helped pave the way for equality in Florida, and their voices reminded us why this fight is far from over.
Todd Delmay, Executive Director of SAVE and former Marriage Equality Plaintiff, reflected on the urgency of continued advocacy:
“Winning the legal cases should have been the last word in the fight for marriage equality. But ten years later, we’re reminded that rights once considered settled can still be threatened. This anniversary is not just about celebration—it’s a recommitment to ensuring marriage equality remains our essential right.”
A Night of Reflection and Community
The evening featured remarks from Reverend Kipp Nelson of St. John’s on the Lake, whose church has been a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Attendees were also treated to a special performance by American Idol alum Kimberley Locke, whose powerful voice echoed the resilience and love that define this movement.
Throughout the event, guests reflected on the past decade of progress while recognizing the ongoing challenges facing LGBTQ+ families. With extremist efforts to roll back civil rights, the evening served as a reminder that advocacy and community support remain essential.
Continuing the Fight for Equality
While marriage equality remains the law of the land, opponents of LGBTQ+ rights continue working to undermine progress. According to Gallup, 69% of Americans support marriage for same-sex couples, a 15% increase since 2014. This event was a powerful reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing, and each of us has a role to play in defending our rights.
SAVE and Equality Florida extend their gratitude to everyone who attended and supported this event. The anniversary was not just a commemoration—it was a recommitment to ensuring that love, dignity, and equality remain protected for all.
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