2015 Superbowl Committee Opposes Arizona’s ‘License To Discriminate’

By Jean Ann Esselink on February 25, 2014

The pressure is mounting on Governor Jan Brewer to veto SB1062, the so-called “Religious Freedom Restoration Act”.

• At least three (some news outlets say five) of the Republicans who supported the bill have now publicly regretted their vote.
• Both the state’s senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, have offered their encouragement to the governor to exercise her veto power.
• Religious leaders held a rally at the Arizona capitol yesterday to oppose the bill.
• Arizona Business leaders sent a letter to the governor urging a veto.
• And now, the Human Rights Campaign reports, Superbowl Committee 2015, and the Arizona Cardinals have joined with the businessmen.

The Superbowl Committee said Friday they were studying the new law. On Monday they announced they were adding their names to this letter a group of concerned businessmen sent to Governor Brewer:

February 24, 2014
Hon. Janice K. Brewer
Governor
Executive Tower
1700 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dear Governor Brewer:
After careful study and analysis of Senate Bill 1062, our organizations, which represent the broad spectrum of Arizona’s business community, respectfully request that you veto this bill.
We are concerned over the potential for businesses to be exposed to an increased risk of litigation. Businesses carry out laws every day that could, under the construct of this legislation, be construed as a “state action,” which could result in increased disputes over the application of current and future law. We are troubled by any legislation that could be interpreted to permit discrimination against a particular group of people in the marketplace.
The legislation is also already clearly having a negative effect on our tourism industry, one of the largest sectors of the economy. The bill could also harm job creation efforts and our ability to attract and retain talent. We all have a fervent desire for Arizona to be a welcoming, attractive destination for the top talent that will be the cornerstone of our continued economic growth.
If specific Arizona issues related to religious liberty are identified, we would stand ready to work with anyone to ensure that any solution addresses those problems while also ensuring that all individuals feel welcome in our state and that business is not hurt.
Sincerely,
Tom Franz
President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Leadership
Glenn Hamer
President and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Todd Sanders
President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Ron Shoopman
President, Southern Arizona Leadership Council

In addition, the Arizona Cardinals released a statement Monday saying:

“What so many love about football is its ability to bring people together,” the Arizona Cardinals said in a statement released Monday. “We do not support anything that has the potential to divide, exclude and discriminate.”

MSNBC is reporting Governor Brewer will announce her decision in the next two days, but that she is leaning toward a veto.