There are just so many problems with SB 1062 recently passed by the Arizona Legislature.

1. Human rights trump religious rights.

2. The U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom works both ways:

a. Freedom for religious beliefs – everyone should be able to follow their own set of beliefs without government interference.

b. Freedom from religious beliefs – no one should be able to impose their set of beliefs on anyone else.

3. “Religious beliefs” comprise not just the Christian-Judeo beliefs but would automatically include all “religious beliefs” no matter how bizarre they may appear to the average Arizonian. Do we approve of martyrdom with the reward of 72 virgins? Do we want anyone who has a “religious belief” to be able to impose it upon us?

4. This will be another “self-imposed” economic disaster for Arizona. In addition to making Arizona a laughing stock – see the lead story on almost every TV station this past weekend – it will have negative economic effects. Businesses have already reported losing tens-of-thousands of dollars due to canceled reservations, of being denied banking support that was being negotiated, and, have written an open letter to Gov. Brewer asking her to veto the bill. Arizona will continue to be negatively portrayed in the news for a long time, especially with the 2015 Super Bowl and other major sports activities on the schedule. How does this benefit Arizona?

5. Cable TV followed its coverage of SB 1062 with Uganda’s new laws which make being gay a crime punishable by 14 years in jail for a first offense – with jail time for those who do not turn in gays. Great company for Arizona.

6. Discrimination is discrimination regardless of the underlying cause.

Please contact Gov. Jan Brewer and ask her to veto SB 1062 for the benefit of Arizona.