TUCSON, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- The Arizona Senate passed a bill that would prevent the state from acting against any business discriminating against the LGBT community.
The bill, SB 1060, passed the Senate with a 17-13 vote Tuesday and is moving to the Arizona House. The sponsor of the bill, Republican Sen. Steve Yarbrough, says the bill aims to protect religious freedoms of individuals and business owners. The Arizona Democratic Caucus is opposing the bill, as it “conflates discrimination with religious freedom."
“SB 1062 permits discrimination under the guise of religious freedom,” Senate Democratic Leader Anna Tovar said in a statement. “With the express consent of Republicans in this Legislature, many Arizonans will find themselves members of a separate and unequal class under this law because of their sexual orientation. This bill may also open the door to discriminate based on race, familial status, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.”
A companion bill could pass the Arizona state House in the coming days.
[Buzzfeed]
