US: Former Florida governor attacks incumbent for fighting same-sex marriage
Former Florida governor Charlie Crist has attacked incumbent governor Rick Scott, for allowing the state to fight against same-sex marriage.
Crist, who was Republican Governor of Florida until 2011, endorsed Barack Obama in 2012 and eventually defected to the Democratic party.
He attacked Governor Scott for allowing Florida’s twice-divorced Attorney General Pam Bondi to appeal against rulings striking down same-sex marriage bans.
In an open letter to Governor Scott, he wrote: “Last Thursday Federal District Judge Robert Hinkle gave you the same chance to speak out for what is right when, in a ruling that would apply statewide, he struck down Florida’s ban on same sex marriage.
“By declaring the marriage ban finished you could discourage any future appeals and end the nightmare that loving same sex couples all across our state endure every single day, ending court battles that could drag on for months or years.
“Courts throughout Florida are endorsing the principle that government ought not deprive an entire class of citizens the right to marry simply because of whom they love.
“Florida deserves a governor who will stand up for all of the people of this state.
“Today, I urge you to do what’s best for Floridians and declare the state will not be challenging Judge Hinkle’s Order or any other orders supporting the rights of all Floridians to marry.”
