Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer announced Wednesday she vetoed Senate Bill 1062, a controversial measure that would have given business owners legal standing to refuse service to customers for religious reasons.
SB 1062 sparked strong opposition from the Arizona business community, tourism industry and gay rights groups who worried it would lead to discrimination and launch SB 1070-style boycotts of Arizona.
There were also worries the National Football League could yank next year’s Super Bowl out of Glendale if the religious business bill became law.
“This bill does not address a present concern related to religious liberty," Brewer said. “The bill is broadly worded and can result in unintended consequences.”
She added, "Our society is undergoing many dramatic changes, but the bill will create more problems than it purports to resolve. Going forward let's turn the ugliness of the debate into a renewed search for greater understanding and respect for all people of Arizona.”
The Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Technology Council, Apple Inc. and American Airlines were among the business interests opposed to the legislation.
Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy and lead backer of the vetoed measure, called it a "tragic" day.
"Today’s veto of SB 1062 marks a sad day for Arizonans who cherish and understand religious liberty," she said. "SB 1062 passed the legislature for one reason only: to guarantee that all Arizonans would be free to live and work according to their faith."
Herrod said opponents mischaracterized the bill.
“It is truly a tragic day in our state and nation when lies and personal attacks can over shadow the truth,” she said.
Doug Napier, the senior counsel for The Alliance Defending Freedom, another prime backer of SB 1062, was disappointed in the veto.
"Today’s veto enables the foes of faith to more easily suppress the freedom of the people of Arizona," Napier said.
Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said after Brewer's announcement that the governor was acting as Arizona's economic field general. He and other local business leaders cheered the veto.
"She has her priorities straight," Hamer said. "Arizona is a welcoming state. Gov. Brewer's veto reaffirms that."
Westmarc CEO Michelle Rider said she hopes this will calm the waters in Arizona.
"I think this shows that Arizona is open for business," the West Valley business leader said.