PHOENIX, AZ — (02-07-22) — In a surprise move a bipartisan group of Arizona lawmakers including the state’s Republican House speaker announced Monday they were introducing an LGBT Anti-Discrimination Bill that would for the first time protect LGBT Americans from discrimination by businesses, employees and landlords.

The bipartisan proposal, HB2802, is supported by businesses and faith leaders but as usual, a powerful social conservative group is opposed to “such a divisive piece of legislation”.

Business owners and interest groups have for years supported anti-discrimination legislation for LGBT Americans in the state because it diminishes Arizona’s standing when it comes to attracting major conferences and business expansion based on anti-LGBT laws of the state.

“The coalition supporting this are people from so many walks of life coming together based on values of fairness, and freedom for all,” said Rep. Amish Shah (D), one of the bill’s main sponsors, during a Capitol news conference announcing the legislation.


However the blowhards came a calling as Cathi Herrod, president of the social conservative group Center for Arizona Policy, called the bill “very divisive and very controversial.”

“This legislation would treat reasonable disagreement as if it were discrimination, dictate a coercive sexual ethic and penalize those who dissent,” said Herrod.

The new legislation prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in workplaces, housing and places of public accommodation. This would include businesses selling goods and services to the public.

The bill protects religious organizations as the measure would exempt religious institutions such as churches but NOT individuals who say their faith prevents them from serving certain customers, such as Christian bakers who refuse to service same-sex weddings.

The Bill also prohibits licensed health care professionals from practicing conversion therapy, the debunked practice that claims to change a person’s sexual orientation.

With exemptions for religious organizations in the bill, it won support from the Episcopal church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“This bill means that every Arizonan can be viewed just for who they are, for who God made them in the image of God, and not be discriminated against,” said Bishop Jennifer Reddall of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona.

So far, there are ten Arizona cities that have protections for LGBT Americans in their local anti-discrimination ordinances: Flagstaff, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tempe, Tolleson, Tucson and Winslow.

Now while this story is uplifting, it still has heavy opposition in its path. Even with the support of Speaker Rusty Bowers!

Let’s not forget that the Arizona state Legislature is controlled by social conservatives who hold considerable influence with Republicans in the House and Senate.

“I do not anticipate a rose strewn path in front of me, but we are here honorably and working together,” said Speaker Bowers.

When pressed by reporters on when he plans on holding a vote on the LGBT anti-discrimination Bill, Bowers wouldn’t give a firm answer. However sources in his office state that he will not bring it up for a vote if the measure isn’t supported by a majority of House Republicans.

We will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they become available.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

Sign Up Below for #JRLCHARTS Breaking News and Follow @JRLCHARTS Daily on Twitter

JRL Charts
Latest posts by JRL Charts (see all)

Related News