As debates around Arizona's hotly contested SB 1062 bill come to a head, major corporations Apple and American Airlines have joined the fray to urge Governor Jan Brewer to reject the proposal.
The bill, if passed, would allow business owners to refuse service to gay and lesbian customers based on their sexuality. Ostensibly a 'religious freedom' bill, it's been heavily censured by civil rights groups, left-wing pundits and establishment Republicans alike. With several commercial entities now weighing in, pressure is mounting for Governor Brewer to make a decision. If Brewer does not actively veto the bill, it will automatically be passed into law on Saturday, March 1.
American Airlines' CEO, Doug Parker, appealed to Brewer personally. "Our economy thrives best when the doors of commerce are open to all. This bill sends the wrong message," he wrote. A high-ranking executive from Apple personally called Governor Brewer, similarly encouraging her to veto the bill. Other companies appealing for a veto of SB 1062 include Verizon, Intel, and Southwest Airlines.
Arizona is also set to host the Super Bowl next year, and speculation is rife that the major tourist event - and revenue generator for the host state - will be shunted to a different state in protest. "On that matter we have heard loud and clear from our various stakeholders that adoption of this legislation would not only run contrary to that goal but deal a significant blow to the state's economic growth potential. We do not support this legislation," wrote the Super Bowl committee. "Instead, we look forward to continuing to promote the NFL's values while focusing on the economic momentum apparent in Arizona and capturing the positive worldwide attention associated with hosting Super Bowl XLIX.".
Arizona's football team, the Cardinals, also stepped in. "What so many love about football is its ability to bring people together," said the team in a formal statement. "We do not support anything that has the potential to divide, exclude and discriminate. As a prominent and highly-visible member of this community, we strive to bring positive attention to the state. We are concerned with anything that creates a negative perception of Arizona and those of us who are fortunate to call it home."
Perhaps the most surprising dissenters of the bill are establishment Republicans, including former presidential hopefuls Mitt Romney and John McCain, who look to be exercising damage control for the GOP's conservative image. "I hope that the governor will veto this bill," said McCain to Fox News' 'Happening Now.' "It's the impression that it's creating, because it is viewed as discriminatory." Romney's advice was simple, and came via Twitter: "@GovBrewer: veto of #SB1062 is right." Romney and McCain are joined by three Republican Arizona senators who voted for the bill initially, similarly reneging on opinions voiced earlier. Senators Steve Pierce, Bob Worsley and Adam Driggs sent a letter to Brewer, with Worsley claiming 'discomfort' at his earlier support.
Brewer is attending a series of meetings today with supporters and critics of the bill, with her decision expected to come on Thursday or Friday.
