Actor George Takei, who is best known
for his role as Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek,
has criticized Arizona lawmakers for approving an anti-gay bill.
The proposal, which
sought to allow individuals and businesses to refuse service based on
their religious beliefs, cleared the Arizona House and Senate but
Governor Jan Brewer vetoed the measure amid a loud uproar.
Takei, who is
openly gay, had called for a boycott of the state if the bill became
law.
“If the governor had not vetoed that
bill, it would have been a very serious situation,” Takei told The
New York Times.
“What's surprising is that Arizona's
Legislature is dominated by religious extremists that don't really
represent the people of Arizona. They embarrass the state, put a
stain on the state's reputation and do economic damage. They won't
be allowed to do that to such a beautiful state anymore.”