Phoenix business showing SB 1062 disgust
Feb 24, 2014, 3:04 PM | Updated: 4:32 pm
PHOENIX – When Fast Signs on Central owner Scott Koehler heard about SB 1062, he shook his head and then got to work.
On the side of his central Phoenix business, he posted a sign that stretches 12 by 30 feet urging Gov. Jan Brewer to veto the bill that would allow businesses to deny services based on religion.
“It’s causing people to look at Arizona in a bad light and it’s bad for business,” he said. “People aren’t going to want to come here, people aren’t going to want to spend their money here, if they think we are discriminating against a certain group.”
Koehler said it’s disheartening to hear friends from other states ask how such a bill made it to the governor’s desk, especially since he said he voted for the Republicans who voted for the bill.
“I’m certainly considering changing the way I vote,” he said. “I’m, you know, fiscally conservative but socially liberal and I think the majority of the population is that way.”
For now, he’s focused on handing out hundreds of free signs that people can post in their businesses that read, “Open for Business – for Everyone.” Koehler is working with One Community in Phoenix to distribute the signs.
On Monday morning, he said a business owner drove from Casa Grande to pick up signs.
“He’s not gay, I’m not gay, it’s not about that,” Koehler said. “It’s about we’re open for everyone. I hope the governor vetoes the bill and stops the bleeding at this point.”
