Gov. Jan Brewer announced Wednesday in a brief press conference that she has vetoed the Religious Freedom Reformation Act SB 1062.
Brewer said she had heard arguments from both sides and weighed them equally.
"To the supporters of the legislation, I want you to know that I understand that long-held norms about marriage and family are being challenged as never before," she said. "Our society is undergoing many dramatic changes. However, I sincerely believe that Senate Bill 1062 has the potential to create more problems than it purports to solve. It could divide Arizona in ways we cannot even imagine, and no one would ever want."
Brewer has been facing an outcry among Arizonans and people across the nation asking her to veto the controversial bill that would have allowed businesses to refuse service because of the owners' religious beliefs. More pressure came on Brewer after Sports Illustrated reported the NFL was scouting new locations for the 2015 Super Bowl, which will be held in Glendale.
Brian Garcia, a member of the HRC Arizona Student Committee and a co-chair of Campus Involvement at ASU for the HRC, said he was happy about Brewer's decision.
"I applaud her for vetoing SB 1062, but there are still a lot of other issues that need to be addressed in Arizona," he said.
Tempe Undergraduate Student Government Senator Jordan Hibbs and Graduate and Professional Student Association President Megan Fisk also weighed in with their thoughts on the veto.
"I think she did the right thing and listened to all of the people who opposed it," Hibbs said.
Fisk said she thought the veto was a great decision and students should use this as a building block.
"I'm glad the government made the right decision for the state, and I think students should build from this, so legislation like this doesn't happen again," Fisk said.
Brewer tweeted late Tuesday night that she would do what is right for Arizona and reiterated her thoughts again Wednesday. "Religious liberty is a core American and Arizona value, so is non-discrimination."
Reach the reporter at jshanco2@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @joey_hancock
