Gay rights activists in uproar over Arizona 'religious freedom' bill

[cbayer]

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-ff-gay-rights-arizona-bill-20140220,0,6953661.story#axzz2u425ijQU



House Minority Leader Chad Campbell (D-Phoenix) argues against House Bill 2153. After it passed, he tweeted: "The world is upset with how Russia has treated gay rights...I think it's time for that same anger to be directed towards AZ." (Michael Schennum, AP / February 20, 2014)

By Cindy Carcamo
February 20, 2014, 7:53 p.m.

TUCSON -- Say a gay couple in Phoenix walks into a bakery to order their wedding cake. The baker refuses to take their order because of his deeply held religious beliefs. Under a measure that passed the Arizona Legislature this week, the baker would have greater protection to invoke religion to shield himself from a discrimination lawsuit.

The bill, approved by the Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday and the GOP-led House on Thursday, would bolster a business owner’s right to refuse service to gays and others if the owner believes doing so violates the practice and observance of his or her religion.

The state Senate passed it on a straight party-line vote, 17 to 13. The House followed suit, 33 to 27, with two Republicans joining all the Democrats in opposition.

GOP Gov. Jan Brewer’s office said she would not take a position until she'd had a chance to review the measure.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-ff-gay-rights-arizona-bill-20140220,0,6953661.story#ixzz2u437DsUm

[sheshe2]

1. Their "religious" rights do not trump LGBT rights.

Their holier than thou attitude is nothing but discrimination and intolerance. That is not what Jesus taught.


“The Arizona Senate bill is blatantly unconstitutional,” Minter said. “It violates the requirement of equal protection of the laws by openly singling out a particular group of people and saying it’s OK to discriminate against them.”

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-ff-gay-rights-arizona-bill-20140220,0,6953661.story#ixzz2u4CMkAHp

[cbayer]

2. Agree, this appears to be completely unconstitutional

and I do not think it will stand.

But it is such an egregious slap in the face to the GLBT community and their advocates.

But there could be unintended consequences for these people.

Check out this sign from a pizzeria in AZ.


http://cdn.cstatic.net/gridnailer/500x/

[sheshe2]

3. That's one restaurant I would love to visit...

If I ever get to Arizona!

Yes, and Jan Brewer won't comment until she studies the bill. What's to study!? You either stand for Equal Rights under the law or you don't! Pure and simple, Jan.



Poll shows Arizonans support marriage

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/05/16/poll-shows-arizona-public-support-gay-marriage/

Thanks cbayer.

[cbayer]

4. Arizona needs to elect a new legislature and the sooner the better.

The governor knows her neck is on the chopping block on this. Could she be thinking that it might help her nationally even if it hurts her statewide? Will be interesting to see what she does.

I love your AZ flag. Would be a great avatar during this time.