Other states copy Arizona SB 1062
By ANDREA DRUSCH | 2/26/14 8:04 AM EST It’s not just Arizona.
A Missouri state senator on Monday introduced legislation that could provide cover for businesses to deny service to same-sex couples. In Georgia, two versions of a similar bill in the state House and Senate are moving quickly through the Legislature. In Kansas, a similar bill already passed Republican-led House earlier this month.
Continue Reading Text Size
“We’re trying to protect Missourians from attacks on their religious freedom,” Missouri state Sen. Wayne Wallingford told the Kansas City Star.
Wallingford said he based his legislation on the bills in Kansas and Arizona.
Legislation ensuring businesses can’t be sued for denying service to gay customers grew in popularity following well-reported cases like Hobby Lobby’s Obamacare exemption lawsuit, and a Colorado lawsuit in which a judge ordered a baker to provide a wedding cake for a gay couple or face fines.
(Also on POLITICO: Romney to Brewer: Veto Arizona bill)
Arizona’s Republican Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake are among those who have encouraged Gov. Jan Brewer to veto the bill, SB 1062. The measure also threatens the state’s designation as host for the Super Bowl next year, and McCain has suggested it will hurt the state’s economy.
Brewer has until Saturday to sign or veto the bill. She hasn’t indicated her intentions, except to say she will “do the right thing” for her state.
A Missouri state senator on Monday introduced legislation that could provide cover for businesses to deny service to same-sex couples. In Georgia, two versions of a similar bill in the state House and Senate are moving quickly through the Legislature. In Kansas, a similar bill already passed Republican-led House earlier this month.
Continue Reading Text Size
- While those bills aren’t drawing the national attention of Arizona’s, they all aim to accomplish similar goals — giving businesses the ability to refuse service to customers based on religious beliefs.
“We’re trying to protect Missourians from attacks on their religious freedom,” Missouri state Sen. Wayne Wallingford told the Kansas City Star.
Wallingford said he based his legislation on the bills in Kansas and Arizona.
Legislation ensuring businesses can’t be sued for denying service to gay customers grew in popularity following well-reported cases like Hobby Lobby’s Obamacare exemption lawsuit, and a Colorado lawsuit in which a judge ordered a baker to provide a wedding cake for a gay couple or face fines.
(Also on POLITICO: Romney to Brewer: Veto Arizona bill)
Arizona’s Republican Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake are among those who have encouraged Gov. Jan Brewer to veto the bill, SB 1062. The measure also threatens the state’s designation as host for the Super Bowl next year, and McCain has suggested it will hurt the state’s economy.
Brewer has until Saturday to sign or veto the bill. She hasn’t indicated her intentions, except to say she will “do the right thing” for her state.