A controversial law waiting on Governor Rick Scott’s desk divides groups of men and women across Florida.
A rally was held in Tallahassee where both sides argued over whether the state should maintain or end permanent livelihoods in the event of divorce.
The law in question would end permanent alimony in most divorces and instead take into account the length of a marriage and the income of the husband and wife when deciding on the amount and length of alimony payments.
Proponents and opponents are most focused on part of the bill that says parents should have equal custody of children in the event of a separation.
Supporters say fathers deserve equal custody.
The 50/50 division of custody could end child support in many situations because fathers would have as much time for their children as mothers.
Opponents say young children need their mothers more, and women need the financial assistance to make up for the loss of income in raising a child.
“What did the father do?” said Adele Guadalupe, women’s advocate and co-founder of Families Against Court Travesties. “He contributed his sperm. The mother carried the baby for nine months. The mother was sick and vomited, probably had to quit her job. The mother had to give birth, the mother had to breastfeed the child Suddenly the mother counts for nothing and the father has a 50 percent right to this child when it is small? That contradicts nature. It is contrary to justice. It contradicts everything we believe. “
Governor Scott vetoed a similar bill several years ago. He has until next Tuesday to sign or veto this bill.
Comments are closed.