Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Gallardo Introduces Gay Equality Bills at AZ Legislature

Posted By on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 3:00 PM

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State Sen. Steve Gallardo has introduced a package of bills aimed at expanding the rights of gays and lesbians in Arizona. The bills would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, adoption and marriage.

Gallardo's statement:


While other states have been moving forward to make equal rights for every American, Arizona has moved backward. In 21 states it is illegal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. Nine states and the District of Columbia recognize same sex marriage. But in Arizona, adoption agencies are actually required to discriminate against single, gay and lesbian adults.

Given the current makeup of the Arizona Legislature, the bills aren't likely to make much progress, as much as I'd like them to.

Here's Gallardo's press release:

Senator Gallardo introduces equality legislation

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX — Senator Steve Gallardo has introduced four bills to eliminate sexual preference discrimination in employment, adoption and marriage.

SB1163 - Prohibits discrimination by an employer or prospective employer against an employee or job applicant based on their gender, gender identity or expression or sexual orientation.

SB1164 - Removes from statute the current requirement that adoption preference be given to a married man and woman over that of a single adult.

SCR1004 - Proposes an amendment to repeal Article 30 of the state constitution, which states that only marriages between a man and a woman may be legally recognized. If passed by the Legislature, final approval from the voters would be required.

SB1165 - Would remove ARS 25-101, Section C, which states that marriage between persons of the same sex is void and prohibited. Enactment is conditional upon passage of SCR1004 by the voters.

"While other states have been moving forward to make equal rights for every American, Arizona has moved backward. In 21 states it is illegal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. Nine states and the District of Columbia recognize same sex marriage. But in Arizona, adoption agencies are actually required to discriminate against single, gay and lesbian adults," said Sen. Gallardo.

"It's time we have the conversation about how we treat each other in this state. Every Arizonan deserves the right to succeed on their skills at work, marry who they love in their heart and adopt a needy child into their home."

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