The Super Bowl Host Committee, along with the Arizona Cardinals, are now among those urging Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer not to sign the anti-gay bill known as SB 1062.
From The Huffington Post:
On Monday, the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee condemned the bill and the effect it would have on the state:
“We share the NFL’s core values which embrace tolerance, diversity, inclusiveness and prohibit discrimination. In addition, a key part of the mission for the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee is to promote the economic vitality of Arizona. On that matter we have heard loud and clear from our various stakeholders that adoption of this legislation would not only run contrary to that goal but deal a significant blow to the state’s economic growth potential. We do not support this legislation. Instead, we look forward to continuing to promote the NFL’s values while focusing on the economic momentum apparent in Arizona and capturing the positive worldwide attention associated with hosting Super Bowl XLIX.”
The Arizona Cardinals, the state’s only NFL team, also came out against the bill:
“What so many love about football is its ability to bring people together. We do not support anything that has the potential to divide, exclude and discriminate. As a prominent and highly-visible member of this community, we strive to bring positive attention to the state. We are concerned with anything that creates a negative perception of Arizona and those of us who are fortunate to call it home.”
The Very Rev. Troy Mendez, Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix spoke on Anderson Cooper 360º that “This bill flies in the face of our religion” and “we believe we are to seek and serve Christ in all people.” You can watch the full video on their site.