February 26, 2014

Following a chorus of criticism that included prominent voices from her own party, Gov. Jan Brewer (R) vetoed a so-called religious freedom bill that would have allowed Arizona businesses to deny service to gays and lesbians out of religious conviction.

Here's Brewer announcing the decision on Twitter.

The bill had been pilloried by liberals and LGBT activists for allowing open discrimination against gays and lesbians, with some arguing that the bill amounted to an attempt at gay segregation. Even Arizona's two Republican senators — John McCain and Jeff Flake — came out against the bill, as did former presidential candidate Mitt Romney and a host of businesses that clearly wanted nothing to do with the bill's supposed protections.

From Brewer's statement: "Senate Bill 1062 does not address a specific and present concern related to religious liberty in Arizona. I have not heard of one example in Arizona where a business owner’s religious liberty has been violated."

She adds, "The bill is broadly worded and could result in unintended and negative consequences."

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