Arizona SB 1062, with potential to put constitutional First Amendment rights in conflict with the negative aspects and consequences of discriminatory bias, may never emerge as Arizona law.

But it has already produced interesting debate that is testing the legislation on its merits (and demerits.) The debate is putting aside the mind-numbing, predictable blather and rationalizations, always dependent upon stereotyped political affiliations that have paralyzed our government for so long.

In a recent survey of current Arizona gubernatorial hopefuls, The Arizona Republic asked 18 (count ‘em) potential candidates how each would deal with SB 1062. Over 60 percent responded, and only two waffled. One indicated he would sign the bill.

Of greater interest was the range of objections raised by the eight who stated unequivocally that they would veto the bill. Those “candidates” – five Republicans, one Democrat, one Independent and one Libertarian – raised questions based upon morality, jobs, the economy and constitutionality, and reached a conclusion at variance with the action of the party-line dominated Arizona State Senate.

A nasty issue has made everybody think “out of the box” and has brought us a breath of fresh air.

There is hope.