Arizona bill would give LGBTQ protections for first time
Feb 8, 2018, 9:58 AM | Updated: 9:11 pm
(Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
(Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
PHOENIX — A bipartisan nondiscrimination bill introduced in the Arizona House would provide LGBTQ people with statewide protections for the first time.
Though five cities have similar protections in place, Arizona has no state law to prevent LGBTQ people from being fired, denied housing or refused services based on their sexual orientation.
Supporters of the bill said it not only will assuage concerns in the gay community, but it also could help boost the state’s economy.
“Inclusion is not just good for LGBTQ Arizonans, but for all Arizonans,” one of the bill’s sponsors, state Rep. Daniel Hernandez (D-Nogales), said in a release.
“Being inclusive contributes to our economic sustainability and our ability to attract and retain top talent and business. It also happens to be the right thing too.”
Another of the bill’s sponsors, state Sen. Kate Brophy McGee (R-Paradise Valley), echoed Hernandez.
“If we want to live in a state that grows by attracting the very best talent, has a strong economy, is a vibrant place to live, then we must be for business to everyone,” she said in the release.
The release from ONE Community, an LGBTQ business group, said the bill will likely receive strong backing from companies in Arizona.
“More than 2,600 businesses in Arizona have already voiced their support for LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination by signing the UNITY Pledge,” the release said, adding that about 88 percent of companies already have some form of protection on the books.
The bill had received two readings in the House and was assigned to committee as of Thursday morning.
