The image above is a real signage that was hung in many buisnesses in America during the 1940’s when the immigration of Latinos was becoming more prevalent in the U.S.. Similar discrimation and oppression can very well happen again towards Gays and Lesbians in the State of Arizona if Bill SB1062 is signed into Law by Governor Jan Brewer.
In 2014 one would think that legal discrimination and oppression of certain persons or groups is something of the past, history, not something going into and coming out of congress that would need to be voted on, but clearly that is not the case. No, no, now it’s just called ‘Protecting Religious Freedom’. Using ‘God’ to do wrong by others, a very a la Teliban mentality if you ask me.
This is what’s going on in Arizona
On February 19th, State senators in Arizona voted (17-13) to allow business owners to refuse service to gays and lesbians based on their religious beliefs. According to Arizona Star News the bill “…came after supporters defeated an attempt to extend existing employment laws that bar discrimination based on religion and race to also include sexual orientation.” Sen. Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler who introduced the bill, said “that’s a separate issue from what he is trying to do.”
“The bill opens the door for discrimination against gays and lesbians,” proclaimed Sen. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix.
In short, SB1062 would amend the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers so long as proprietors were acting solely on their religious beliefs. SB 1062 – is a law designed to allow businesses in the state to discriminate against LGBT patrons with newfound legal impunity.
National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) along with the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC) call on Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to veto Senate Bill 1062 on grounds the bill is blatantly discriminatory and anti-business. In their first-ever policy collaboration, business leaders of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce NGLCC, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), The National Black Justice Coalition, and the U.S. Business Leadership Network: Disability at Work signed a letter to the legislature writing:
“…this bill is not written to strengthen protections under Arizona law to defend against religious discrimination as purported, but rather to discriminate against a specific segment of the Arizona population. Signing such a harmful and obviously discriminatory bill will not only have dire consequences for the economy of Arizona, but also your legacy as chief executive of the state.”
Freedom vs. oppression: That’s the polar contrast Gov. Jan Brewer must consider as she sits down to “listen to both sides” this week ahead of her decision whether to sign or veto the bill that has divided her state and drawn national and commercial interests into the fray.
Gov. Jan Brewer told CNN, “I’m going to go home, and when I receive the bill, I’m going to read it and I’m going to be briefed on it. We have been following it. And I will make my decision in the near future,” the Republican politician said. “I can assure you, as always, I will do the right thing for the state of Arizona.” She has until Friday or Saturday to decide whether to sign or Vetoes the bill all together. The bill will automatically become law if she takes no action.
Let’s hope Gov. Jan Brewer does the right thing and Vetoes this no-good-going-to-come-out-of-this ‘Bill’.
