Arizona SB 1062 was an Arizona bill to amend an existing law to give any individual or legal entity an exemption from any state law if it substantially burdened their exercise of religion, including Arizona law requiring public accommodation.
It was one of several similar bills in U.S. state legislatures allowing individuals to refuse service based on religion, with some bills specifically protecting religious disapproval of same-sex marriage.[1] It was widely reported as targeting LGBT people, although sexual orientation is already unprotected by Arizona law.[2] Critics noted that it would have broadly denied anyone service on religious grounds. Supporters argued that it was simply restoring the legal status of the right to free exercise of religion as intended by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.[3]
The bill was passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature.
Last night, I sat in my living room with my partner by my side, and my step daughter in the bath tub. I mention my step daughter because this law would affect her too. Part of me wanted her to see history being made since this has been such a controversial issue. The other part of me feared that this would be vetoed, and I did not want her to understand at the age of 7 what this would all mean.
My girlfriend and I spent a week sharing posts over Facebook and social media. Writing emails to our legislature, and encouraging the LGBT community to do the same. I have been in debate after debate with people who have no knowledge and understanding of what this bill could do. It targeted the gay community. It also set a precedent that if you own a business, and someone walks through the door who is not like you, it would be legal to refuse them service based on their race, sex, or sexual orientation. Arizona sounds like a fun place to live, right?
In addition to everything happening there was an outpour from the LGBT community. Carol Foyler, a Tea Party Republican who supported the anti-gay law, said that the startling bombshell that gays play a role in the state’s economy put her and her fellow lawmakers “in a tight spot.” “Quite frankly, we were blindsided by this,” she said. “We had no idea that gays had money and bought things just like regular people do.” Apparently us gays get by on bowls of glitters and cups of rainbows. I'm just baffled that this is the perception that we have. How people don't know that we are Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses, Police officers, fire fighters, Judges, and other esteemed career based positions is beyond me.
The damage is done in Arizona. Al Melvin has a video with Anderson Cooper that I recommend watching. It is unbelievable the amount of questions that he dodges. He tried to make Anderson sound foolish with his legitimate questions. Al Melvin fails miserably, then declares his candidacy for Governor. Can we say "No fucking thank you Melvin"? Not only does he eventually admit that this law has no basis, he also targets gays and goes on about how gay marriage will never be legal in the state of Arizona.
This law was started by people who feared their "religious rights" could be taken from them. When asked about any businesses that have experienced their rights being taken from them, there was not one single case to back this law up. Law makers argued that in both Oregon and New Mexico Christian business owners were forced to give services to homosexuals (cake decorator, and a wedding photographer). It's sad, and if anyone can tell me how decorating a cake can ruin your moral beliefs; I would entertain a reply.
Arizona has no laws that protects gays and lesbians from discrimination. Fact is, my CEO could walk up to me at any point and tell me that I am fired simply because I am a homosexual. Scary thought. Luckily for me, I don't think that would happen since the company that I work for is not only forward thinking, but also offer same sex couples benefits. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to work here and not some place that discriminates.
It appeared that there was a severe lag in Jan Brewers decision about SB1062. Fact is, she was at a Governor's conference and cut the trip short to address this bill with her staff, lawyers, and businesses that came forward. I would like to thank Delta Airlines, the Phoenix Suns, The Mercruy, Apple, and the NFL for stepping forward. I know that there were more major corporations that backed up the gay agenda. I can't even begin to tell you what your support has meant to every gay and lesbian in the Phoenix and Arizona communities.
The NFL even stepped forward to say that they would be willing to take the Super bowl to another state next year since Arizona was on the list to host the Super bowl for 2015. Wow. What an amazing thing. Can you imagine for the people who are supporters of SB1062 along with being die hard Football fans? Tough spot for you guys? I would hope so. I hope that the impact of the many businesses that stepped forward will forever echo in your mind when you attempt to mess with the rights of a community who is not like you.
I must tell you. According to this bill, I am an oxymoron. I am a Christian lesbian. Didn't think it was possible, well, my name is Lou. I am 28 years old, I reside in Phoenix AZ, I love Jesus, and my lesbian girlfriend. Nice to meet you. For those who say that this is a moral war, it isn't. As I have said in many of my debates with fellow Christians, we all need to practice love. Jesus didn't turn away Lepers, Whores, different creeds, or even people of different religions. Jesus stated to love everyone. Even your enemies. If you want to uphold your moral war, why not follow the teachings of Jesus? Why avoid it? You state that in the name of Jesus you want homosexuals out of your business, yet Christ teaches to love everyone. Does that also meant that you will shun men and women who are Divorced? What about couples living together out of wedlock? What about unwed mothers? What about promiscuous men and women? Funny how those people aren't mentioned. So you'll make a cake for couple who is getting married because the 18 year old dad got the 18 year old mother pregnant, but won't make a cake for a gay couple who has been together for 10 years? Ah, I see your logic. You have none. Got it.
It's sad, but as a lesbian that lives in Arizona, I have no rights with my partner. We can't get married, we don't have property or estate rights, and adoption is almost impossible. I think that we can all see that discrimination is more alive than it has been in years. I have read forum after forum of people who vocalize their hate for the gay community. Everything from calling us names to telling a bakery exactly how us gays like our cake...I'm still curious how someone like that would know how we like cake. I thought you were no homo, not homo cake advice giver. I haven't felt this discriminated against in a very long time. Most business owners who know me, and I do know a good deal of them could care less about my sexual orientation. Shoot, they even like my girlfriend. We have never been asked to leave, or to act a certain way. Why? Because gays don't threaten the belief systems of anyone.
I am going to get off of my soap box, but I want people to understand that hate is not a way to run a business. Discrimination is not a way to run a business. Equal rights needs to be for all, not all except homosexuals. We are not poor and hungry people who will lay down and allow anyone to trample all over us because you think you have us outnumbered. Try something like this again Arizona, and I think you will have a much bigger issue on your hands.
Thanks,
Management.
The bill was passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature.
Last night, I sat in my living room with my partner by my side, and my step daughter in the bath tub. I mention my step daughter because this law would affect her too. Part of me wanted her to see history being made since this has been such a controversial issue. The other part of me feared that this would be vetoed, and I did not want her to understand at the age of 7 what this would all mean.
My girlfriend and I spent a week sharing posts over Facebook and social media. Writing emails to our legislature, and encouraging the LGBT community to do the same. I have been in debate after debate with people who have no knowledge and understanding of what this bill could do. It targeted the gay community. It also set a precedent that if you own a business, and someone walks through the door who is not like you, it would be legal to refuse them service based on their race, sex, or sexual orientation. Arizona sounds like a fun place to live, right?
In addition to everything happening there was an outpour from the LGBT community. Carol Foyler, a Tea Party Republican who supported the anti-gay law, said that the startling bombshell that gays play a role in the state’s economy put her and her fellow lawmakers “in a tight spot.” “Quite frankly, we were blindsided by this,” she said. “We had no idea that gays had money and bought things just like regular people do.” Apparently us gays get by on bowls of glitters and cups of rainbows. I'm just baffled that this is the perception that we have. How people don't know that we are Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses, Police officers, fire fighters, Judges, and other esteemed career based positions is beyond me.
The damage is done in Arizona. Al Melvin has a video with Anderson Cooper that I recommend watching. It is unbelievable the amount of questions that he dodges. He tried to make Anderson sound foolish with his legitimate questions. Al Melvin fails miserably, then declares his candidacy for Governor. Can we say "No fucking thank you Melvin"? Not only does he eventually admit that this law has no basis, he also targets gays and goes on about how gay marriage will never be legal in the state of Arizona.
This law was started by people who feared their "religious rights" could be taken from them. When asked about any businesses that have experienced their rights being taken from them, there was not one single case to back this law up. Law makers argued that in both Oregon and New Mexico Christian business owners were forced to give services to homosexuals (cake decorator, and a wedding photographer). It's sad, and if anyone can tell me how decorating a cake can ruin your moral beliefs; I would entertain a reply.
Arizona has no laws that protects gays and lesbians from discrimination. Fact is, my CEO could walk up to me at any point and tell me that I am fired simply because I am a homosexual. Scary thought. Luckily for me, I don't think that would happen since the company that I work for is not only forward thinking, but also offer same sex couples benefits. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to work here and not some place that discriminates.
It appeared that there was a severe lag in Jan Brewers decision about SB1062. Fact is, she was at a Governor's conference and cut the trip short to address this bill with her staff, lawyers, and businesses that came forward. I would like to thank Delta Airlines, the Phoenix Suns, The Mercruy, Apple, and the NFL for stepping forward. I know that there were more major corporations that backed up the gay agenda. I can't even begin to tell you what your support has meant to every gay and lesbian in the Phoenix and Arizona communities.
The NFL even stepped forward to say that they would be willing to take the Super bowl to another state next year since Arizona was on the list to host the Super bowl for 2015. Wow. What an amazing thing. Can you imagine for the people who are supporters of SB1062 along with being die hard Football fans? Tough spot for you guys? I would hope so. I hope that the impact of the many businesses that stepped forward will forever echo in your mind when you attempt to mess with the rights of a community who is not like you.
I must tell you. According to this bill, I am an oxymoron. I am a Christian lesbian. Didn't think it was possible, well, my name is Lou. I am 28 years old, I reside in Phoenix AZ, I love Jesus, and my lesbian girlfriend. Nice to meet you. For those who say that this is a moral war, it isn't. As I have said in many of my debates with fellow Christians, we all need to practice love. Jesus didn't turn away Lepers, Whores, different creeds, or even people of different religions. Jesus stated to love everyone. Even your enemies. If you want to uphold your moral war, why not follow the teachings of Jesus? Why avoid it? You state that in the name of Jesus you want homosexuals out of your business, yet Christ teaches to love everyone. Does that also meant that you will shun men and women who are Divorced? What about couples living together out of wedlock? What about unwed mothers? What about promiscuous men and women? Funny how those people aren't mentioned. So you'll make a cake for couple who is getting married because the 18 year old dad got the 18 year old mother pregnant, but won't make a cake for a gay couple who has been together for 10 years? Ah, I see your logic. You have none. Got it.
It's sad, but as a lesbian that lives in Arizona, I have no rights with my partner. We can't get married, we don't have property or estate rights, and adoption is almost impossible. I think that we can all see that discrimination is more alive than it has been in years. I have read forum after forum of people who vocalize their hate for the gay community. Everything from calling us names to telling a bakery exactly how us gays like our cake...I'm still curious how someone like that would know how we like cake. I thought you were no homo, not homo cake advice giver. I haven't felt this discriminated against in a very long time. Most business owners who know me, and I do know a good deal of them could care less about my sexual orientation. Shoot, they even like my girlfriend. We have never been asked to leave, or to act a certain way. Why? Because gays don't threaten the belief systems of anyone.
I am going to get off of my soap box, but I want people to understand that hate is not a way to run a business. Discrimination is not a way to run a business. Equal rights needs to be for all, not all except homosexuals. We are not poor and hungry people who will lay down and allow anyone to trample all over us because you think you have us outnumbered. Try something like this again Arizona, and I think you will have a much bigger issue on your hands.
Thanks,
Management.
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