Arizona Senate Passes Bill Allowing Business Owners To Refuse Service To Gays

[Bombur]

Sounds like a threat. I can't see any normal people cancelling a trip to Arizona because business folks get some rights back. The wackos can stick to their liberal meccas so it's a win win.

Try to get a life outside a message board.

And yes, threats HAVE been issued...by businesses.

Businesses lash out over Arizona's anti-gay bill

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Businesses are lashing out over an Arizona bill that would allow retailers to refuse service to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender customers based on the owners' religious convictions.

The Arizona Legislature passed the bill last Thursday, and it is now awaiting Gov. Jan Brewer's signature. While proponents say the legislation was introduced as a way to afford religious freedom to business owners, critics say it opens the door to discrimination.

"When the legislature passes bills like this, it creates a reputation that Arizona is judgmental and unwelcoming," states a letter that more than 80 businesses sent to Gov. Brewer on Monday. "This will haunt our business community for decades to come."

National corporations including American Airlines, AT&T, Delta Airlines (Fortune 500), Intel (Fortune 500), Marriott (Fortune 500), PetSmart (Fortune 500) and Yelp are among those urging Brewer to veto the bill, saying the law would be bad for the state's reputation and bad for business -- repelling tourists, potential employees and current workers who live in the state.

"I can assure you that this proposed legislation is causing tremendous concerns for our employees, particularly those who live and work in Arizona," American Airlines CEO Doug Parker wrote in a letter to Brewer.

Meanwhile, Intel, which has nearly 12,000 employees in Arizona, said the bill directly conflicts with its own non-discrimination policy, which "values and welcomes diversity in the workplace."

Meanwhile, business development groups fear that new companies will no longer want to relocate to the state -- dealing a huge blow to an economy that is only just beginning to recover from the recession.

Barry Broome, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, said in a letter to Gov. Brewer that four companies that were considering expanding to Arizona have already threatened to cancel their plans unless the bill is vetoed.

Even Apple (Fortune 500), which recently announced plans to build a new glass plant in Mesa, Ariz., and bring 2,000 new jobs to the state, reportedly called on Brewer to veto the bill.

There are also questions about whether next year's Super Bowl would still take place in Arizona if the bill is passed, with the event expected to be a big boon to the economy.

"This legislation has the potential of subjecting the Super Bowl, and major events surrounding it, to the threats of boycotts," Broome's letter states.



Arizona Anti-Gay Law Would Be 'Devastating,' John McCain, Jeff Flake Warn

WASHINGTON -- With signs emerging that Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) may veto the anti-gay bill passed by the state legislature last week, Arizona's two U.S. senators repeated their pleas for her to do so, saying the law would be "devastating."

Sen. Jeff Flake (R) said he had a chance to express his concerns to the governor in person Monday night.

"I encouraged her again to veto it," Flake told several reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday.

"I don't think it's needed, and ... it would be devastating economically to the state," he said of the bill, SB 1062, which makes it legal for businesses to discriminate against gay people on the grounds of promoting religious freedom.

Flake said the bill's message is "not one that we want to send."

Business leaders have spoken out vehemently against the bill. The Super Bowl Host Committee that's preparing for the 2015 championship, slated to be held in Glendale, Ariz., has also weighed in, advising Brewer to use her veto pen.

"The entire business community is galvanized in a way that I've never seen against this legislation," said McCain. He added that the Super Bowl was only part of the problem.

"That's one of [business leaders'] concerns, but the major concern is frankly tourism and location of businesses in Arizona," he said.

Tell me something, He Who Forever and Ever will Hate Businesses, isan't this proof that the free market actually does what I keep saying it does?

The corporations are not for leaving it to the market.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

**** the NFL !!

There is no chance that the NFL will punish ANYONE whether they pass the legislation or not. The NFL learned YEARS and YEARS ago that they are in the entertainment business - NOT the sports business - just like the WWE.

The only God the NFL bows to is money. Their view of gays or straight or man or woman means NOTHING to their views of the face on the dollar bill. Make no mistake about it - they couldn't care less - as long as the money keeps rolling in.

You mean like when the NFL punished Arizona over the MLK holiday in the 90's? The NFL will pull the Super Bowl in a heartbeat if this somehow passes.

Do you honestly think the NFL will spend billions of dollars to move next years Super Bowl just because you are a nutbag? You do realize that it would take a vote of all the owners, and quite a few of them hate you as it is, don't you?

 

[paperview]

There is no chance that the NFL will punish ANYONE whether they pass the legislation or not. The NFL learned YEARS and YEARS ago that they are in the entertainment business - NOT the sports business - just like the WWE.

The only God the NFL bows to is money. Their view of gays or straight or man or woman means NOTHING to their views of the face on the dollar bill. Make no mistake about it - they couldn't care less - as long as the money keeps rolling in.

You mean like when the NFL punished Arizona over the MLK holiday in the 90's? The NFL will pull the Super Bowl in a heartbeat if this somehow passes.

Do you honestly think the NFL will spend billions of dollars to move next years Super Bowl just because you are a nutbag? You do realize that it would take a vote of all the owners, and quite a few of them hate you as it is, don't you?

I'm curious. Do you work extra at being this stupid or does it just come naturally?

 

[Iceweasel]

And we're forced to accept your homophobic lifestyle?

Not making a gay wedding cake is a lifestyle? If that's your definition then yes, you should be subjected to it and take your business elsewhere. That's all the bill was supposed to be for. Not refusing to serve you if you were gay, although it still isn't clear how a business can read minds. Some of you act like the law would legalize gay lynchings. Which side is propagandizing the issue? The side that says business folks should be allowed to choose what they offer?

Why should normal people be subjected to homophobes' lifestyle denigrating gays all the time. But I wouldn't even want to buy a cake from the GayKK.

That aside, you can't invoke religious reasons if you're a Christian, because Jesus didn't discriminate against anyone, and would be appalled that anyone would slam gays in his name.

I'm not religious. Refusing to bake a gay themed cake is not an imposition. You asshole try to twist everything around while slandering people and pretending have the moral high ground.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

You mean like when the NFL punished Arizona over the MLK holiday in the 90's? The NFL will pull the Super Bowl in a heartbeat if this somehow passes.

Do you honestly think the NFL will spend billions of dollars to move next years Super Bowl just because you are a nutbag? You do realize that it would take a vote of all the owners, and quite a few of them hate you as it is, don't you?

I'm curious. Do you work extra at being this stupid or does it just come naturally?

Being a smart ass is a natural talent.

Tell me something, what do you think I got wrong in that post? It will cost billions for the NFL to move next years Super Bowl. There is a reason they pick the venue 5 years out, after all. The host city has to put together a proposal, come up with the tax incentives, have a convention center as well as a stadium big enough for the Super Bowl, be able to fork over a few hundred million for the extra security, have the infrastructure to support all the media that will show up, and have enough hotel space for the teams and all the super rich people that make the Super Bowl one of their yearly parties. On top of that, it actually will require 24 of the 32 team owners to approve the move. In other words, it will only take 9 people to nix it.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

Try to get a life outside a message board.

And yes, threats HAVE been issued...by businesses.

Businesses lash out over Arizona's anti-gay bill

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Businesses are lashing out over an Arizona bill that would allow retailers to refuse service to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender customers based on the owners' religious convictions.

The Arizona Legislature passed the bill last Thursday, and it is now awaiting Gov. Jan Brewer's signature. While proponents say the legislation was introduced as a way to afford religious freedom to business owners, critics say it opens the door to discrimination.

"When the legislature passes bills like this, it creates a reputation that Arizona is judgmental and unwelcoming," states a letter that more than 80 businesses sent to Gov. Brewer on Monday. "This will haunt our business community for decades to come."

National corporations including American Airlines, AT&T, Delta Airlines (Fortune 500), Intel (Fortune 500), Marriott (Fortune 500), PetSmart (Fortune 500) and Yelp are among those urging Brewer to veto the bill, saying the law would be bad for the state's reputation and bad for business -- repelling tourists, potential employees and current workers who live in the state.

"I can assure you that this proposed legislation is causing tremendous concerns for our employees, particularly those who live and work in Arizona," American Airlines CEO Doug Parker wrote in a letter to Brewer.

Meanwhile, Intel, which has nearly 12,000 employees in Arizona, said the bill directly conflicts with its own non-discrimination policy, which "values and welcomes diversity in the workplace."

Meanwhile, business development groups fear that new companies will no longer want to relocate to the state -- dealing a huge blow to an economy that is only just beginning to recover from the recession.

Barry Broome, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, said in a letter to Gov. Brewer that four companies that were considering expanding to Arizona have already threatened to cancel their plans unless the bill is vetoed.

Even Apple (Fortune 500), which recently announced plans to build a new glass plant in Mesa, Ariz., and bring 2,000 new jobs to the state, reportedly called on Brewer to veto the bill.

There are also questions about whether next year's Super Bowl would still take place in Arizona if the bill is passed, with the event expected to be a big boon to the economy.

"This legislation has the potential of subjecting the Super Bowl, and major events surrounding it, to the threats of boycotts," Broome's letter states.



Arizona Anti-Gay Law Would Be 'Devastating,' John McCain, Jeff Flake Warn

WASHINGTON -- With signs emerging that Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) may veto the anti-gay bill passed by the state legislature last week, Arizona's two U.S. senators repeated their pleas for her to do so, saying the law would be "devastating."

Sen. Jeff Flake (R) said he had a chance to express his concerns to the governor in person Monday night.

"I encouraged her again to veto it," Flake told several reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday.

"I don't think it's needed, and ... it would be devastating economically to the state," he said of the bill, SB 1062, which makes it legal for businesses to discriminate against gay people on the grounds of promoting religious freedom.

Flake said the bill's message is "not one that we want to send."

Business leaders have spoken out vehemently against the bill. The Super Bowl Host Committee that's preparing for the 2015 championship, slated to be held in Glendale, Ariz., has also weighed in, advising Brewer to use her veto pen.

"The entire business community is galvanized in a way that I've never seen against this legislation," said McCain. He added that the Super Bowl was only part of the problem.

"That's one of [business leaders'] concerns, but the major concern is frankly tourism and location of businesses in Arizona," he said.

Tell me something, He Who Forever and Ever will Hate Businesses, isan't this proof that the free market actually does what I keep saying it does?

The corporations are not for leaving it to the market.

Because, by keeping the government out of it, they are actually forcing the government into it?

Did I get that right?

 

[Derideo_Te]

You mean like when the NFL punished Arizona over the MLK holiday in the 90's? The NFL will pull the Super Bowl in a heartbeat if this somehow passes.

Do you honestly think the NFL will spend billions of dollars to move next years Super Bowl just because you are a nutbag? You do realize that it would take a vote of all the owners, and quite a few of them hate you as it is, don't you?

I'm curious. Do you work extra at being this stupid or does it just come naturally?

I have no doubt whatsoever that QW is on many other ignore lists besides mine.

 

[Bombur]

Tell me something, He Who Forever and Ever will Hate Businesses, isan't this proof that the free market actually does what I keep saying it does?

The corporations are not for leaving it to the market.

Because, by keeping the government out of it, they are actually forcing the government into it?

Did I get that right?

What did those lead paint chips taste like?

 

[Silhouette]

Being a smart ass is a natural talent.

Tell me something, what do you think I got wrong in that post? It will cost billions for the NFL to move next years Super Bowl. There is a reason they pick the venue 5 years out, after all. The host city has to put together a proposal, come up with the tax incentives, have a convention center as well as a stadium big enough for the Super Bowl, be able to fork over a few hundred million for the extra security, have the infrastructure to support all the media that will show up, and have enough hotel space for the teams and all the super rich people that make the Super Bowl one of their yearly parties. On top of that, it actually will require 24 of the 32 team owners to approve the move. In other words, it will only take 9 people to nix it.

It would be for this reason that Arizona should sue the NFL if they pull out. The grounds would be that the NFL is punishing christians for wanting legal protection from their legislature and governor to not have to enable a homosexual cult taking over their state's freedoms of religion.

Plus, if the NFL has the Superbowl in AZ, and gays and their sychophants want to protest that, let them stay home. I doubt it would make much of a dent at all in the attendance. In fact, if AZ threw the dice on this "gamble" [not really, see the pictures below], they'd probably wind up with MORE business than they could handle and the NFL, MORE viewers than they ever dreamed of.

THINK of the demographics who like and watch the Superbowl...

Here...let me give you a hint... ["earnestly contend for the faith..."]

 

[protectionist]

The curriculum sets what is taught to all the kids.
"play football, tackling, grabbing them".
LOL, dude I played 14 seasons of football and there were gay guys then and now.

"Curriculum" my ass. I had queer teachers in college and they lauded the homosexual lifestyle every day.

You asked me how queers impose their perversions. There's a queer dude, right now, who wants to be an NFL defensive tackle. His job would be grabbing and tackling guys. Normal people don't want to be touched by queers. Got it ?

I'm betting your nights are saturated with homo-erotic dreams. Poor fella.

In other words, you surrender the point, because you have no response.

 

[protectionist]

The curriculum sets what is taught to all the kids.
"play football, tackling, grabbing them".
LOL, dude I played 14 seasons of football and there were gay guys then and now.

"Curriculum" my ass. I had queer teachers in college and they lauded the homosexual lifestyle every day.

You asked me how queers impose their perversions. There's a queer dude, right now, who wants to be an NFL defensive tackle. His job would be grabbing and tackling guys. Normal people don't want to be touched by queers. Got it ?

Normal people don't care who touches them as long as the touching is not sexual in nature...and in football, it is by no means sexual in nature. For example, the ball player you mentioned informed his teammates that he was gay yet none of them refused to practice or shower with him. Homophobes, however, fear being touched by gays. Thus why they are called homophobes.

100% > EARTH TO JARHEAD: Normal people CARE. And how do you know the grabbing and tackling won't be sexual, 100% of the time ? And how do you know how this guy's teammates felt about showering or practicing with him ? Got a link ? And even if they said they didn't mind, how do you know they weren't compelled to say that ? Your argument is on slippery rocks. Also, it is the opposing team's offensive players who would be getting grabbed primarily, not his teammates.

 

[protectionist]

The curriculum sets what is taught to all the kids.
"play football, tackling, grabbing them".
LOL, dude I played 14 seasons of football and there were gay guys then and now.

"Curriculum" my ass. I had queer teachers in college and they lauded the homosexual lifestyle every day.

You asked me how queers impose their perversions. There's a queer dude, right now, who wants to be an NFL defensive tackle. His job would be grabbing and tackling guys. Normal people don't want to be touched by queers. Got it ?

Show me where it caused any problems he was playing for 4 years in college.
Ever heard of The Southeastern conference? They are the very BEST college football conference in the world. No question.
Michael Sam was the defensive Most Valuable Player last year in that conference. Toughest football conference in the world.
Try and get over your fear of gay folk. Those of us that actually crossed between the lines and played against the very best know better.
Stick to your dating service and good luck as you know nothing about football.
But again, show me where Sam caused ANY problems during his 4 years playing college football at the highest level.
You know you can't so admit it.

I just answered all that in Post # 1731.

 

[protectionist]

So a business owner in Arizona could put up a sign " WHITES ONLY" ? And claim it's a religious thing?

Queers ought to be discriminated against in many venues, whether it has anything to do with religion or not. They should be discriminated against because they're queer, and they can harm people just by being with them, as well as being in physical contact with them, or around children, where they might influence the impressionable kids to follow their sick perversions.

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

What’s interesting and telling about this issue is that there are Arizona business owners who oppose the measure, as well as at least two Arizona state republican lawmakers and the 2008 GOP presidential nominee.

 

[KevinWestern]

Being a smart ass is a natural talent.

Tell me something, what do you think I got wrong in that post? It will cost billions for the NFL to move next years Super Bowl. There is a reason they pick the venue 5 years out, after all. The host city has to put together a proposal, come up with the tax incentives, have a convention center as well as a stadium big enough for the Super Bowl, be able to fork over a few hundred million for the extra security, have the infrastructure to support all the media that will show up, and have enough hotel space for the teams and all the super rich people that make the Super Bowl one of their yearly parties. On top of that, it actually will require 24 of the 32 team owners to approve the move. In other words, it will only take 9 people to nix it.

It would be for this reason that Arizona should sue the NFL if they pull out. The grounds would be that the NFL is punishing christians for wanting legal protection from their legislature and governor to not have to enable a homosexual cult taking over their state's freedoms of religion.

Plus, if the NFL has the Superbowl in AZ, and gays and their sychophants want to protest that, let them stay home. I doubt it would make much of a dent at all in the attendance. In fact, if AZ threw the dice on this "gamble" [not really, see the pictures below], they'd probably wind up with MORE business than they could handle and the NFL, MORE viewers than they ever dreamed of.

THINK of the demographics who like and watch the Superbowl...

Here...let me give you a hint... ["earnestly contend for the faith..."]

I think the NFL has the right to pull out so long as it doesn't violate any contractual/legal agreements. They can do whatever they like.

As a side note, the Super Bowl is America's #1 waste of time and I think that Americans blow way too much of their brainpower (as a whole) on sports. Not saying I don't like the occasional pickup game, or that children's sports aren't beneficial, just saying this WORSHIP of the NFL is sort of sickening (in my view).

 

[JakeStarkey]

There is no chance that the NFL will punish ANYONE whether they pass the legislation or not. The NFL learned YEARS and YEARS ago that they are in the entertainment business - NOT the sports business - just like the WWE.

The only God the NFL bows to is money. Their view of gays or straight or man or woman means NOTHING to their views of the face on the dollar bill. Make no mistake about it - they couldn't care less - as long as the money keeps rolling in.

You mean like when the NFL punished Arizona over the MLK holiday in the 90's? The NFL will pull the Super Bowl in a heartbeat if this somehow passes.

Do you honestly think the NFL will spend billions of dollars to move next years Super Bowl just because you are a nutbag? You do realize that it would take a vote of all the owners, and quite a few of them hate you as it is, don't you?

Yep, the NFL is fully capable of doing that in a heartbeat.

 

[protectionist]

Chambers of Commerce are FOR PRIVATE BUSINESS ONLY.
And all of them everywhere oppose these laws.

Here's a couple of examples of the lunacy of those opposing this bill.

1. Anthony Wanger, president of IO, a Phoenix software company, issued a statement Monday urging a veto of SB 1062.
“IO values the contribution of all people and stands against discrimination in every form,” he said. “Technology and business growth thrive on diversity, and we support diversity in Arizona.”

"Every form" ? So this illustrious corporate hack wouldn't discriminate against registered sex offendors ? Against Muslim jihadists ? Against people with infectious diseases (Tuberculosis, Hepatits, etc) Pheeeeeww! (high-pitched whistle, eyes rolling around in head.

Doug Parker, American Airlines Group chief executive,said fallout from the bill would slow down Arizona’s economic recovery, hinder relocation of businesses to Arizona and hurt the convention-and-tourism industry.

“Our economy thrives when our doors to commerce are open to all,” said Parker, who presided over US Airways in Tempe before a 2013 merger with American. “This bill sends the wrong message.”

"Open to ALL", Doug ? "ALL would include serial killers, rapists, people who sing loudly (off-pitch), people who don't bathe, alchoholics/drunk drivers, pilots who fly drunk, etc. No problem there, right Doug ?

 

[protectionist]

What’s interesting and telling about this issue is that there are Arizona business owners who oppose the measure, as well as at least two Arizona state republican lawmakers and the 2008 GOP presidential nominee.

What's so interesting ? In Arizona or anywhere else, business owners generally have one primary objective > optimizing PROFITS, and everything gets funneled into that. Including , unfortunately, right and wrong.

 

[protectionist]

Discrimination IS OK, it is practiced widely all the time, and in the case of homosexuals, it ought to be mandatory in many cases (ex. jobs working with kids, close contact jobs, etc)

You should run on that. Sounds like a winning Message. Discrimination IS OK!

. Sure, I'd run on it. See Post # 1737

 

[TemplarKormac]

From a Facebook Post on my newsfeed:

Here is a simple fact: if you want to force someone to violate their religious beliefs by forcing them to provide a service to your gay wedding ceremony--that their religion considers a sin--you are not a civil rights activist, you are a mini-tyrant. Here is another fact: one can sincerely love people while disagreeing with some of their actions. We need to get over the idea that disagreement is hate and that your freedom to get married is your invitation to erase the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion.