Arizona Legislature approves controversial religion bill
By Alia Beard Rau
The Republic | azcentral.com Thu Feb 20, 2014 5:12 PM
“We are trying to protect people’s religious liberties,” said Rep. Steve Montenegro, R-Litchfield Park. “We don’t want the government coming in and forcing somebody to act against their religious sacred faith beliefs or having to sell out if you are a small business owner.”
But opponents say it could also protect a corporation that refused to hire anyone who wasn’t Christian and could block members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from access to nearly any business or service.
“The message that’s interpreted is we want you to work here, but we are not going to go out of our way to protect you, to protect your rights, to protect your family,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix. “God forbid should someone come to the Super Bowl and come to a restaurant that is not going to allow them in.”
Similar debates have occurred nationwide as more states legalize same-sex marriage.
Some states that have legalized same-sex marriage exempt religious officials from any legal requirement to perform such ceremonies. Same-sex marriage is not legal in Arizona.
ENCOURAGE by cornelilioi 