Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Arizona Gay Discrimination Law Pits Big Business Against GOP Base

AppleWhile I do not like Arizona Governor Jan Brewer whatsoever, it is somewhat delicious to see her find herself caught in a war between the Christofascists of the GOP base and big business which ultimately finances statewide and national campaigns.  And as Ken Cuccinelli discovered last year, extremism on social issues does not play well with big business outside of the circle of the Koch brothers and a few others.  Hence, Brewer faces being attacked by spittle flecked Christofascists if she vetoes SB 1062 on the one hand and alienating big business if she doesn't veto it.  Towleroad looks at the big businesses, including Apple and Marriott which are putting demands on Brewer for a veto of SB 1062.  Here are excerpts:
Earlier today we reported that the Arizona Chamber of Commerce was leading a call for Governor Jan Brewer to veto SB 1062, the heinous bill that would allow businesses to discriminate against gays based on religious beliefs.

Companies have been signing on all day and now Apple has joined the 83 other companies calling for a veto of the bill, the Arizona Capitol Times reports:

Brewer spokesman Andrew Wilder said the governor spoke on the phone with the company.

The request comes as Apple prepares to open a new sapphire glass manufacturing plant in Mesa. The plant, which Brewer and other political leaders have touted as economic development coup for Arizona, will employ about 700 full-time employees.

Also, Marriott, American Airlines, and the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC) have called on Brewer to veto the bill. Scott Wooledge is keeping tabs on the state's top businesses insofar as who has urged a veto or taken a position on the bill.

Both Arizona Senators McCain and Flake have urged a veto. Three Republican state senators who originally voted for the bill have decided it was a mistake.

Obviously, I hope Brewer vetoes this foul piece of legislation which seeks to give far right Christians special rights and open a flood gate of anti-gay discrimination. 

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