Washington, DC — Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) this week sent a letter urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to drop the State of Florida's appeal in Scott v. Brenner and treat all Floridians equally under the law.

"We live in a country where we cherish the right to pursue happiness. Any person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should be allowed to live in a committed relationship with the one they love. It is time for Florida to join the more than thirty states that are now on the right side of history and recognize same-sex marriage," said Rep. Frankel.

Florida Judge Robert Hinkle recently ruled that Florida's same-sex marriage ban is a violation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution. Attorney General Bondi appealed the ruling, denying LGBT Floridians the right to marry.

As the United States Supreme Court has declined to hear challenges to several federal court decisions overturning same-sex marriage bans, more than half the U.S. population will soon live in a marriage equality state.

Attorney General Bondi's refusal to drop the appeal is preventing same sex couples from receiving federal benefits, including Social Security payments.