March 10, 2010 | Sex & Society

Florida bill would cut grants for gay-positive films

Many TV shows and films rely heavily on government grants and tax credits in order to go from script to screen. However, some new legislation in Florida may mean any shows with gay characters will not get this important suppor because they fail the “family-friendly” test.

The bill does not specifically target gay material, but the bill's sponsor, Republican Stephen Precourt, admitted that shows with gay characters were not “the kind of thing I’d say that we want to invest public dollars in.”

Florida Family Policy Council president John Stemberger added the legislation could include anything from “drug abuse to excessive drunkenness to homosexual families.”

Content that doesn't fall into the pro-family category does not have to be explicit either. Currently shows with smoking, sex, and profane language are already exempt from the State's tax credits. The bill would now target these things even if they were simply implied.

Just another example of politicians focused on the really important issues facing constituents today.

TV shows with gay characters could lose Florida tax credits [PinkNews]