- Photo by Helga Esteb/Shutterstock.com
- George Takei and his husband Brad Altman have strong Arizona ties.
We have seen a number of people voicing their opinions against SB 1062. George Takei, Star Trek legend and LGBT activist, wrote an open letter to Arizona to express his disappointment regarding the anti-gay legislation that’s pending Governor Jan Brewer’s decision. Takei promises to never step foot or spend any money in Arizona if the Governor signs the bill into law.
From his Takei’s website:
Dear Arizona,
Congratulations. You are now the first state actually to pass a bill permitting businesses—even those open to the public—to refuse to provide service to LGBT people based on an individual’s “sincerely held religious belief.” This “turn away the gay” bill enshrines discrimination into the law. Your taxi drivers can refuse to carry us. Your hotels can refuse to house us. And your restaurants can refuse to serve us.
Kansas tried to pass a similar law, but had the good sense to not let it come up for a vote. The quashing came only after the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and other traditional conservative groups came out strongly against the bill.
But not you, Arizona. You’re willing to ostracize and marginalize LGBT people to score political points with the extreme right of the Republican Party. You say this bill protects “religious freedom,” but no one is fooled. When I was younger, people used “God’s Will” as a reason to keep the races separate, too. Make no mistake, this is the new segregation, yours is a Jim Crow law, and you are about to make yourself ground zero.
This bill also saddens me deeply. Brad and I have strong ties to Arizona. Brad was born in Phoenix, and we vacation in Show Low. We have close friends and relatives in the state and spend weeks there annually. We even attended the Fourth of July Parade in Show Low in 2012, looking like a pair of Arizona ranchers.
The law is breathtaking in its scope. It gives bigotry against us gays and lesbians a powerful and unprecedented weapon. But your mean-spirited representatives and senators know this. They also know that it is going to be struck down eventually by the courts. But they passed it anyway, just to make their hateful opinion of us crystal clear.
So let me make mine just as clear. If your Governor Jan Brewer signs this repugnant bill into law, make no mistake. We will not come. We will not spend. And we will urge everyone we know—from large corporations to small families on vacation—to boycott. Because you don’t deserve our dollars. Not one red cent.
And maybe you just never learn. In 1989, you voted down recognition of the Martin Luther King holiday, and as a result, conventions and tourists boycotted the state, and the NFL moved the Superbowl to Pasadena. That was a $500 million mistake.
So if our appeals to equality, fairness, and our basic right to live in a civil society without doors being slammed in our face for being who we are don’t move you, I’ll bet a big hit to your pocketbook and state coffers will.
George Takei
This article appears in Feb 20-26, 2014.
Bravo George! I’ve been an Arizonan since 1980 and as sick as I am of fighting our elected officials I’m not leaving until this battle for equality is won!
Say it like it is George. And let’s see, I’m sure the Gay community has tons of football fans. So maybe the NFL should consider this asinine law and move next years Super Bowl to a more inviting state. Think about that Gov. And yes I have a daugher and inlaws the live there.
This repugnant law that the legislature has authored reminds us of government inspired actions (POGROMS). Used for centuries against jews and other minorities in Europe. What is next? Concentration camps, deportations, gassing. As a Jewish gay living in Green Valley, Arizona I personally find this law reprehensible. Thank goodness Arizona allows us guns so that we will be able to defend ourselves. Down to ALL bigotry. Boycott any store, corporation, hotel or motel that supports this law, even if the governer doesn’t sign it. Also remember when you vote who approved this law.
Go Az.!!Go Brewer!!
I am a Life-Cycle Celebrant. Briefly, I write custom ceremonies for people who want to celebrate milestones of their lives. Mostly weddings and gay commitment ceremonies. My business is about half and half between the heterosexual and homosexual clients. I love writing commitment ceremonies for gay couples because they want to celebrate their love and futures (often their pasts as some have been together for 20 years!) happily and proudly regardless of the non-legal recognition of their unions. They know their marriage is not legal in AZ. But now that New Mexico recognizes gay marriages, I question the AZ couples about if they wouldn’t prefer to drive to NM or CA for a legal marriage (at least recognized within the federal government). I educate couples from TX who seem to call a lot and don’t realize they can stop their driving west in NM and be legally married. I want my potential gay clients to be legal where possible – I’m not making a dime for my advice, and certainly should the couples go to another state, I lose all the potential fees. But I’d rather they find a state that is more open-minded, and less mean-spirited than Arizona. And in a small, personal way, I’m encouraging them NOT to bring their money to AZ, even though it would have gone directly in my pocket. For those who wish to stay local or come to AZ anyway, at the end of their ceremony, I say, “By the powers invested in me by, well – no one except the love of these two people and their friends and family”….and then declare them partners for life.
We will not let these legislators who hide behind the cloak of religion ( which is a crock Christians hearts are supposed to be full of love and compassion not hate and discrimination) win this battle. We need to stand up for what is right and start petitions to have each and every one of them thrown out of Arizona politics.
Under this law, people should be able to refuse service to divorced people, people who are committing adultery and another violation of the 10 commandments.
If Phil Ochs were alive he might be penning a new song, Arizona, Find Yourself Another Country To Be Part Of, instead of Mississippi, Find Yourself ….
Unless every baker, every florist and every photographer asks their customers if they are divorced or if they have ever had sex before their wedding day, believe me, you have already “participated” in a wedding that goes against your beliefs.
We are all sinners. Don’t judge others simply because they sin differently than you!
Sad to say, only in AZ can we expect such stupidity.
As an Arizona native and a gay man, my heart is breaking over this hatefilled law. I’ve seen groups with their own agendas come riding through our state leaving a trail of dirt behind themselves that I swear, that’s where haboobs emanate from.
Over the last 25 years, it’s gotten worse, and now it’s intolerable. The climate has changed greatly over that time. In the 80s, being “out” was more than just brave, it was dangerous. Today, many of us are visable. We’re impossible to ignore and are irrepressible charm makes it hard to dehumanize us. But that’s what this bill does. In the last gasp of the right wing homophobic agenda, their tasking their last and most despairate swing at us.
You’re losing. No you lost. Now, go away. America is done with your hate.
Peter Bramley
What would happen if a Muslim owned business refused to serve a woman without a head scarf? Hmmmm…..
Aww, George, please don’t blame us all. It was our stupid legislatures, not the public. I invite you to come to Tucson to visit. We are a tiny blue dot in this big red, cesspool of a state. We love our gay friends dearly in this city!
I haven’t been this embarrassed to be an Arizonian since Ev Meacom! Praying that Gov. Brewer does the right thing and veto’s this bill, but I’m not holding my breath.
I would like to say that not all of us religious folk are this intolerant. This is not how Jesus would behave and everyone should think on that for a while. A person should not have to feel they either need to hide or come out, they simply are and why can’t all of us recognize that and just live life?
The sad thing is that the majority of the Arizona population is as appalled as you are.
Our hearts hurt and most of us consider this to be a HATE CRIME, If we had the means to move from this state we would do it MY family doesn’t want to be any part of a state that is so hateful. It is sad that the good people, the majority of the people of Arizona will be hurt because of this senseless and disgusting bill. Who are we that we have the right to be in everyone’s business? How is it that if someone doesn’t like something about someone else the legislation can come in and decide for all of that state that a few, very few are right. and make it law? I am a floored, hurt, saddened and disgusted heterosexual female. LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE! STOP THE HATE! let people be in charge of their own lives. How is this going to make Arizona a better place? This makes Arizona a HATEFUL place and I am sorry for all the hurt and pain this has caused. If your beliefs say someones lifestyle is wrong then don’t worry about it. not your problem. Let God or whoever they pray too work it out. I would bet a dime to a donuts that God’s heart has been deeply sadden over such an act. Before pointing fingers at others in judgment, you might want to take into consideration that while you are so worried about someone else, you don’t have time to get yourself ready for your judgment day.
Shame on you Arizona State legislators.
Tammi
Awesome , so now as Arizona residents we ofend those with meaningful relationships, jobs and disposable income yet we encourage illegal aliens to contnue to rod and steal from the state and federal governments…………WELL done…………seriously WTF PEOPLE??
I wonder how many businesses are going to take advantage of this law? I might be ignorant, but I don’t feel like many people will…? Is this bill for more small businesses? Once the word gets out that they discriminate, I feel that they will lose business left and right! I live in Tucson and everyone I know is against this law. If I find out a place discriminates, I will not shop/eat there! I think many people feel the same. They will only be hurting themselves in the long run. I pray that this doesn’t pass, and just hope that other US citizens know this is not how all the Arizonans feel!!! Far from it! This is another tactic for divide and conquer.
I moved here to Tucson ten years ago and I love it. However this current administration in Phoenix is ruining things. Discrimination is discrimination. Even if it is dressed as a law or someones Religious belief.
Agreed! And if you ever need some honkies to hang with in Show Low, give me a ring, well, if our gov. vetos this rediculous law.
All the gun violence of Florida, with a well documented discrimination of minorities and gays sprinkled in there for Flavor.
Federal Courts are in the process of overturning gay marriage bans all over the country. Marriages will soon be legal in all our neighboring states and the courts will eventually rule AZ’s ban as unconstitutional as well. This pack mentality of drooling right wingers who believe they we’re elected to to be the saviors of right wing Christianity need a sting message sent to them before they totally bankrupt and alienate Arizona from all commerce.
Jesus came with a message of love, mercy and forgiveness. Somehow that has been interpreted by some to mean only those who believe what we believe. They hide behind their “hate the sin, but love the sinner” BS. Love mean’s acceptance. Allowing people to be OK as they are. They have isolated a couple of obscure bible verses to justify their hate, much the same as the fundamentalists before them used the bible to justify slavery. Jesus also said the if your arm offended you tear it off and cast it into the sea and if your eye offends you pluck it out. I don’t pay attention to biblical literalists unless they have one arm and an eye patch. BTW I am an ordained minister.
I only hope that if our stupid governor does sign this atrocity into law, someone publishes a frequently updated list of businesses who use it to discriminate….that way people can boycott them. A financial hit is the only thing that might have an impact on these bigots. And make no mistake, they ARE bigots hiding behind “religion” to discriminate. God/Source/Creavtive Power/whatever does NOT discriminate.
I have refused to visit Florida, even though my two sisters winter there every year. I will never even so much as pass through Arizona (my state of birth) if this bill is signed by the “governor.” I live in SoCal & should I find occasion to drive east I will drive “above” Arizona.
Remember, Arizonans….you may abhor this legislation, but the legislators you put in office came up with it. It is up to you to do something about it. One way or another, it is up to you to restore honor and dignity to your state in the next election to vote them out. Or get them out earlier by other means if possible – impeachment etc. And make sure that lists of discriminating businesses are compiled and circulated. Write emails, blogs, letters to newspapers and TV stations, etc, ‘outing’ such bigots.
Why do religious people make judgement their business. “Judge not!” “Love thy neighbor”… follow your own books teachings and let God decide.
26 comments, representing probably quite a range of political and religious views, and no one is even trying defending this law. that’s great. i really thought at least one person would give it a shot, this being an online comments section and all. maybe this law is rock bottom, indefensible, and all people can see it. i am happy to see Christians speaking up and pointing out that this law is immoral.
Offer to be a guest of honor at an Arizona convention if they agree to move it to a different state as long as the bill is in effect.
Think of the revenue your appearance would generate and the fact that Arizona won’t get any of it.
That should tell Arizona something.
Steven Yarborough is the Arizona senator who introduced SB 1062. He is a republican who is up for reelection this year. Please place a note on your calendar to donate to his opposition before the November elections. Any help would be appreciated by the people of Arizona to remove this intolerant bully from office.
Everyone keeps bitching about Russia and it’s backwards LGBT laws, but at least they don’t deny them services. Maybe Americans should look at what’s happening on their own doorstep before they judge others.
This not just an anti Gay bill. There are verses in the Bible to permit service to be refused to Jews and Black people also.
I can see it now, Signs all over the place. NO GAYS, NO JEWS, NO BLACKS, NO DOGS.. Just like the good old days of the 1950’s.The GOP/TEA dream world. Don’t these zealot Catholics remember when they were condsidered vermin just 60 or 70 years ago?
As a minority native of Arizona, I say we deport all crazy religious white folks from Arizona and only native Arizonans have the right to run for office.
What speaks volumes about the current occupant of the governor’s chair is that she “needs to think about it” for more than a half second. Meanwhile, please contact the NFL at roger.goodell@nfl.com
I don’t think Gov. B will sign the bill. If she does sign it, the court will strike it down.
It all boils down to: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you! Plain and simple. I was born straight but I don’t hate!
Please don’t take a stance against the entire state. Now is the time, more than ever to unite and support ArIzona’s LGBT community. Our state is so much more than this hideousness and out LGBT needs support, not abandonment. Many businesses who support our community will suffer when high profile people declare a boycott against our state. We beg that you JOIN our LGBT community and the many groups that support us. Come here. Pleae don’t step away when we need you the most.
Arizonans against SB1062 need to send emails and letters, and make phone calls to Governor Brewer and let her know how much you, as a citizen of Arizona, want her to VETO this bill. No one can influence the governor as effectively as you all. This bill’s future is in your hands.
Typical knee jerk reaction to innuendo and not to fact. It is obvious that few, if any commentors, have read the bill, know that it is an amendment to an existing bill that was passed back in the early 90’s, or that the purpose for the bill is because activist judges have been violating the law and the Constitutions–both State and Federal.
The LBGT are seeing conflict where there isn’t any, doesn’t have anything to do with them but like the anti-gun lobby sees boogymen behind every corner when Constitutional gun rights are upheld. This is about religious freedom as also guaranteed by the Constitutions– READ THE BILL!!!
From what I am reading here this is proof that the LBGT community is not religious and considers themselves above the Constitution and the general public is OK with that. (must be because of a public school education) Those of us who obey the law won’t bite. Pass the bill. Stop activist judges– nullify unConstitutional laws!
This should be condemned by all Christians. All businesses serve “sinners” every day for we have all fallen short of perfection. We don’t get to choose which “sinners” we will serve or will not serve. When I was growing up people in my church wanted to segregate black and white, to refuse service to black people, on religious grounds. Whatever your personal belief about morality discrimination has no place in a democracy. We had planned to spend three weeks vacation in Arizona this summer. We love it there but will honor the protest by NOT going there if this bill goes through.
An almost identical bill hit her desk last year and she vetoed it. The entire city of Tucson is outraged and disgusted that this is even a thing they would try to pass again. Hopefully Brewer does the right thing again. Also if anyone lives in AZ reads this GO VOTE!!!! Let’s get these bigots out of office!
Contact Brewer, contact your state rep/s and senator so they will have a pulse on their constituents, support candidates who are not posing as Christians in order to discriminate. Act. Vote. Speak out. The power is OURS!
Davd Wk, Yarbrough (CQ) is also the guy behind the organization that collects donations for Christian schools. Unfortunately, my liberal Lutheran church’s school contracts with this crook, so I do not support the school. Except with donations that aren’t tax deductible. I refuse to put another dime in this crook’s pocket. Google him – the Weekly and the New Times in Phoenix have done lots of stories about him.
” What is next? Concentration camps, deportations, gassing.”
Eeerm well Guantanamo , CIA friendly torture prisons in dictatorship states , death penalty,
The core of the matter is clear to anyone with any thought capabability It doesnt matter if it is Christian ,Islamic or any other religous / political belief if you let fundamentalists run your gouvernments you end up being ruled bye adults with imaginary friends and seriously embaressing behaviour
Hey, George, please don’t include Bisbee in your boycott. We were the first city in the state to pass a civil union ordinance and have been accepting of anyone who visits or moves here- gay, straight or extraterrestrial.
If you don’t like Arizona’s laws, you can move somewhere else. I can’t believe the intolerance of religious beliefs I’m witnessing here, what a bunch of hypocrites you all are.
Unfortunately Sulu, it now appears that the blue haired, wealthy, Phoenix, bible thumpers will never learn, and continue to put our otherwise great state in the national news for bigotry rather than the sentiment shared by most Arizonans.
There are many enthusiastic now in the western world for LGBT rights around the world, who were earlier silent, or if young now, uncurious, about harsh laws in the Soviet Union, and the many now freed former colonial nations. Any person currently thinking such nations as Iran, Russia or Uganda are doing something actually new, have minds quite similar to those voters and legislators whom they detest.
If Jan Brewer approved this bill, we MUST impeach her. I am a Republican and I support gay marriage; I believe that everyone deserves to become legally married, if they choose to do so. I am Pro-Choice, as I don’t believe that anyone should legally be able to tell us that we HAVE to carry a child or otherwise. Government should solely regulate roadways, parks, libraries, litigitation, etc., but not have a hand in personal choices and lifestyle, unless those choices can physically harm others. As with radio and television, if you don’t like the channel, change the station; if you don’t want to eat, shop, watch movies, etc. with gay people, then stay home where you have complete control over your environment. This is one of the most ridiculous bills and I cannot believe that our state senators and representatives have gotten it to the governor’s desk – shame, shame, shame! In 1969, when I was four years old, my dad relocated us from New York City to Tucson because he wanted us to have a better life with far less negative influences than we would’ve encountered living in NYC. He wanted us to be able to have land to play on, a swimming pool, a nice home that wasn’t connected to another dwelling, etc.; also, he was finishing his degree in Geology and The University of Arizona was the prime place for it. For the most part, I have been proud to be a Tucsonan and Arizonan for the past 45 years, but whenever one of these ludicrous, discriminatory bills surfaces, I can’t help but wonder WTF the politicans are thinking!
Sadly this bill is only icing on the top of the cake of the abysmal disrespect for civil rights (human rights) that Arizona is known for. This bill codifies the essence of the fact that employers in Arizona yearn for the LEGAL RIGHT to do what they have been doing for so long to the Arizona populace anyway. DISCRIMINATION is against our civil rights and is an offense to justice and us all. We fair people of Arizona will not legalize this injustice.
“The Truth” you speak of the need to respect religion but you mean only YOUR religion. i am an observent Jew. This bill gives business the right to deny me service because some Christians believe Jews were resonsible for the death of Jesus. Don’t bother to say it would not happen or that is not the intent of the law. I have read the bill and such deny of service would be prefectly legal under this law.
This vile legislation must be defeated and its proponents ridiculed and ostracized until they understand that they cannot and will not succeed. We can no longer continue, as a species, codifying religious bigotry into law unless we want the entire world to be run by sectarian fundamentalists. Why do the same people who claim to be fighting the Taliban act so much like them?
“Meanwhile, in the Other Florida…”
Can’t we just move all the AZ legislators to Uganda… so they’ll be happy ???
What?, “don’t blame us”. you and other voters are electing these radicals. So all voters are to blame for the type of government that has taken over Arizona and most other states. the sad issue is they are taking away the rights of the people
looks like a scene from Russia and Uganda today… and Arizona tomorrow…
https://lh3.ggpht.com/_Dm4sFu73cJo/S_vIRErfVII/AAAAAAAAZQg/yjIWkHWYGmI/s1600/sitin.jpg