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Newsroom |
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The News
Your Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) is often
in the center of the pro-family
debate in this state and involved with the most
recent issues that are important to
you. The following are some recent news clips of
FFPC’s involvement which has made the news.
 | |  | Supreme Court pick blasted by conservatives | | The Associated Press - March 12, 2009 | | | Bill Kaczor | |
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TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist's appointment of Circuit Judge James Perry, who is black, to the Florida Supreme Court cheered civil, gay and abortion rights groups but drew criticism Wednesday from social conservatives who had lobbied for another nominee.
The announcement gives the seven-member high court a second black justice and keeps with Crist's high-profile push for more diversity in Florida's judicial system. Besides Perry and Chief Justice Peggy Quince, who also is black, the Supreme Court has one other female, Justice Barbara Pariente, and one Hispanic, Justice Jorge Labarga.
"We have a very diverse state and I think it's important that our court understands all the perspectives that make Florida a beautiful place to live," Crist said.
Perry, 65, of Sanford, has served in the 18th Circuit covering Brevard and Seminole counties since 2000, including a term as chief judge. He is Florida's fourth black justice. His wife, Adrienne Perry, is a Stetson University law professor.
The appointment enhances the Republican governor's stature among African-Americans, but it could further erode his standing before the GOP's right wing. Crist already has angered some Republicans with his outspoken support for President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan. That included joining the Democratic president at a stimulus rally in Fort Myers.
"The governor's decision today is both stunning and profoundly disappointing," said Florida Family Policy Council president John Stemberger. "He missed a real opportunity not only to appoint the most qualified candidate but also bring the court back into ideological balance."
Stemberger's group supported one of the other three nominees, 5th District Court of Appeal Judge Alan Lawson. Lawson was one of two white men nominated. The fourth nominee was a white woman.
Stemberger, who led a successful campaign last year to pass a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, previously said Lawson was the only nominee who would protect the rights and values of social conservatives.
Other groups lobbying for Lawson included the National Rifle Association, Florida Right to Life and Florida Police Benevolent Association, Stemberger said.
The other two finalists were Circuit Judge Debra Steinberg Nelson of Sanford and Orlando lawyer Dan Gerber. The vacancy had to be filled from the state's 5th appellate district on the central east coast including Orlando, Daytona Beach and Melbourne.
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