There are liberal states, progressive states, conservative states, purple states and then there's Arizona. Arizona's legislature is the southwest version of Florida. Every year, those kooky politicians legislate out of fear. It's like a mature version of Kids Say The Darndest Things, but not nearly as adorable. 2014's early edition of Arizona Legislates The Darndest Things involves a bill passed by the state legislature, which would give businesses the authority to deny service to gay and lesbian patrons because of religious beliefs. The bill has now gotten the attention of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, which is asking Governor Jan Brewer to veto SB 1062. Aside from the moral juxtaposition, they fear the bill's passing would cause the NFL to relocate the 2015 Super Bowl. Just so we're clear, that's next February.
If there's one thing Arizona doesn't need, it's comparisons to Russia's anti-gay laws during the Sochi Olympics. Arizona's Super Bowl host committee also released a statement repudiating SB 1062.
Via Think Progress:
“We share the NFL’s core values which embrace tolerance, diversity, inclusiveness and prohibit discrimination,” the host committee said in statement released Monday. “In addition, a key part of the mission for the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee is to promote the economic vitality of Arizona. 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. 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 been in hot water before hosting a major sporting event. The NFL moved Super Bowl XXVII out of Arizona after the state refused to recognize Martin Luther King Day. Before the 2011 MLB All-Star Game, Arizona called MLB's bluff when Selig threatened to move the exhibition following the passage of SB 1070. The game was played amid protests and complaints from Latino ball players. As the NFL's first openly gay player in league history embarks on his pro career with the NFL's support, the 2015 Super Bowl could be back on the free agency market if Arizona's governor doesn't come to her senses.
