Ariz. governor vetoes widely criticized bill

PHOENIX - Gov. Jan Brewer on Wednesday vetoed a Republican bill that set off a national debate over gay rights, religion, and discrimination and subjected Arizona to blistering criticism from major corporations and political leaders from both parties.

Loud cheers erupted outside the Capitol immediately after Brewer made her announcement.

"My agenda is to sign into law legislation that advances Arizona," Brewer said. "I call them like I seem them despite the cheers or the boos from the crowd. After weighing all the arguments, I have vetoed Senate Bill 1062 moments ago."

The Republican governor said she gave the legislation careful deliberation in talking to her lawyers, citizens, businesses, and lawmakers on both sides of the debate. Her office said it received more than 40,000 calls and e-mails, with most urging a veto.

Brewer said the bill "could divide Arizona in ways we could not even imagine and no one would ever want." The bill was broadly worded and could result in unintended negative consequences, she said.

The bill was designed to give added protection from lawsuits to people who assert their religious beliefs in refusing service to gays. Opponents called it an open attack on gays that invited discrimination.

The bill thrust Arizona into the national spotlight last week after both chambers approved it. As time passed, more and more groups, politicians, and average citizens weighed in against the measure.

Business groups said it would be another black eye for the state, which saw a national backlash over its 2010 immigration-crackdown law. They warned that businesses looking to expand into the state may not do so if the bill became law.

Companies such as Apple and American Airlines and politicians including Republican Sen. John McCain and 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney were among those who urged Brewer to veto the legislation. The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, overseeing preparations for the 2015 Super Bowl in Glendale, came out with a statement against the bill. The Hispanic National Bar Association on Wednesday said it canceled its 2015 convention in Phoenix over the legislation.

In addition, three Republicans who had voted for the bill reversed course and said it was a mistake. They said in a letter to Brewer that while the intent of their vote "was to create a shield for all citizens' religious liberties, the bill has been mischaracterized by its opponents as a sword for religious intolerance."

SB 1062 allows people to cite their religious beliefs as a defense against accusations of discrimination.

State Sen. Al Melvin, a Republican who is running for governor and voted for the bill, said he was disappointed by the veto.

"I am sorry to hear that Gov. Brewer has vetoed this bill," he said. "I'm sure it was a difficult choice for her, but it is a sad day when protecting liberty is considered controversial."

Brewer is said to be weighing a run for a third term, challenging the two-term limit on grounds that she took over when Gov. Janet Napolitano was named secretary of homeland security and has not served two full terms.

Democratic leaders in the legislature thanked Brewer for vetoing the bill but said it should never have made it to her desk.

The Center for Arizona Policy helped write the bill and argued it was needed to protect against activist federal courts and simply clarifies existing state law.

"It is truly a disappointing day in our state and nation when lies and personal attacks can overshadow the truth," said group leader Cathi Herrod.

Similar religious-protection legislation has been introduced in Ohio, Mississippi, Idaho, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.

The push in Arizona comes as an increasing number of conservative states grapple with ways to counter the growing legality of gay marriage. Arizona has a ban on gay marriage.