Phoenix Mayor Greg
Stanton has criticized an Arizona bill which opponents say would
allow businesses and individuals to discriminate against gays.
The measure, which
states that individuals and businesses can refuse service based on
their religious beliefs, cleared the Senate on Wednesday and the
House the following day. Calling the measure “controversial,”
Republican Governor Jan Brewer said she will decide whether to sign
the bill next week.
(Related:
Hundreds
rally against Arizona bill allowing businesses to discriminate
against gays.)
“It
would put a national and international spotlight on Arizona in a way
that's uphelpful to our economy,” Stanton told gay glossy The
Advocate. “It's the wrong
direction to go.”
“The city I lead
is a very open city, and we love our diversity,” Stanton said of
Phoenix, which has an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on
sexual orientation and gender identity.
(Related: George
Takei: Boycott Arizona if Gov. Jan Brewer signs “turn away the
gays” bill.)