Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

In arguably one of the most calculated rhetorical and misinformation campaigns ever seen, the Arizona bill that protects liberty has been vetoed by Governor Jan Brewer.

There are several links worth drawing attention to that highlight why this bill was well written and necessary.

First, ADF attorney Kellie Fiedorek has a short op-ed explaining the bill. According to Fiedorek, 

SB 1062 merely clarifies Arizona’s existing law to protect Arizonans from any attempt by the government to force them to speak or act in ways that violate their religious beliefs. It safeguards freedom by closing loopholes that have allowed other state governments to punish private citizens for living and working according to their convictions.

In addition, a group of notable religious liberty lawyers and scholars sent a letter to Governor Brewer explaining the bill and refuting claims made by critics. According to them, 

Some of us are Republicans; some of us are Democrats. Some of us are religious; some of us are not. Some of us oppose same-sex marriage; some of us support it. Nine of the eleven signers of this letter believe that you should sign the bill; two are unsure. But all of us believe that many criticisms of the Arizona bill are deeply misleading. 

According to ADF attorney Doug Napier, “Freedom loses when fear overwhelms facts and a good bill is vetoed. Today’s veto enables the foes of faith to more easily suppress the freedom of the people of Arizona. Even though the battle has become more difficult, Alliance Defending Freedom stands ready to defend any Arizonan who suffers the indignity of religious discrimination.”