Romney weighs in, Obama silent on Arizona SB1062
(CNN) - Former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has joined calls from key Republicans urging Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer to veto legislation that critics say would codify discrimination against gays and lesbians in that state.
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Romney's message followed tweets from Arizona's Republican senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, urging Brewer to reject SB1062, which would allow businesses in the state to refuse service to gays and lesbians based on religious beliefs.
By contrast, President Barack Obama, who has evolved into one of the nation's leading proponents of gay rights, has yet to personally weigh in on the legislation.
Asked about the Arizona bill by reporters, White House Spokesman Jay Carney described SB 1062 as a "pretty intolerant proposed law."
"As a practice, we don't generally weigh in on every piece of legislation under consideration in the states," Carney said.
"I think the President's position on equality for LGBT Americans and opportunity for all is very well known. And he believes that all of us, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity should be treated fairly and equally, with dignity and respect," Carney added.
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of course president obama is not going to comment. his stand on lgbt rights is well known. he (and the rest of the democrats and moderate independents) is praying that the governor signs the bill. that would be another nail in the coffin of the late, great teapublican party. right wing stupidity – the gift that keeps on giving......
imagine that. CNN would call any PRO-CHOICE movement 'anti-gay'. talk about your glass being half-empty...
If Romney is for a veto against this law, then this law was a set up from the beginning. The law had no viable chance – I have read it, it is a basket of crazy. Romney is taking a cheap opportunity to look less extreme. However, I will always remember that he is a Mormon.
My God, will Mitt Romney please dry up and blow away? Please? He embarrassed himself without end during his so-called run for the Presidency. Hasn't he had enough? What an amazingly large ego this person must have.
If Romney is against this law, the law itself must have been a setup. I have read SB1062, and it is a legislative basket of crazy. A short bill, it opens loopholes that would have made it unworkable in practice – and that's ignoring that the law allows someone to discriminate based on religion.
Right now, the cat is out the bag. those who voted for this legislation, have some explainin' to do.
Ooooooooo. So he is a smart in business, overseas involvement's, AND has equality in mind…. hmm ya glad we didn't pick him
Republicans backing gay rights? That's a new one.
Who cares what Romney wants? Seriously
Romney will say anything to advance his own personal agenda.
Oh my. MIttens moves to the center again.
They don't call him Flip Flop for nothing.
probably was a good idea for the President not to weigh in, she might sign it just to spite him
There are a million video clips and soundbytes out there
about where Romney stands on Gay rights.
Somebody must have whispered into his ear, that this new law
will NOT pass Constitutional muster.
Don't pat him on the back.
Thank GOD he never got near the White House.
Mitt The Tolerant One!! As if.
allow businesses in the state to refuse service to gays and lesbians based on religious beliefs.
Can we pass a law to allow business' to refuse service to Religious people ?
Fair is Fair.
By contrast, President Barack Obama, who has evolved into one of the nation's leading proponents of gay rights, has yet to personally weigh in on the legislation.
Ummm.
I think its very clear where Obama stands on gay rights.
STOOPID COMMENT !
He refused to support DADT because......
IT WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL !
Why should Obama say anything while we are all waiting for the GOP to SHOOT themselves in the head AGAIN !!!!!
Wow, if they sign this into law, the folks at Chik-fil-A can finally toss out the Gays!
Imagine if every business did this, or refused service to Muslims, or Jews, or whatever.
1. Businesses should be allowed to deny service to whoever they want
2. Hating someone because of their sexual orientation is just idiotic. Especially if you use religion as your reason.
3. The government needs to gtfo of everyone's life. If a business doesn't want gays, then gay people can stop making a spectacle of themselves so they fit in and still receive the service, or protest the business and the market will take care of itself. Why does this need legislation?
Excuse me, why does this failed presidential candidate and private citizen's opinion matter?
How does this make sense on any level at all? And are businesses really doing this....anywhere in America ? I don't think so. What's next, segregated drinking fountains ? Last time I checked, gays' money is just as green as mine, and NOT contagious. This bill is a step backward and has no chance on the desk of any sane governor.
-Red-state conservative.
Why should any care what Romney thinks? He is just a rich guy without any say in government. Why waste the news space?
whatever happened to,"whatever faith that you have keep it within yourself and do good"?it doesn't matter if you're purple blue or from another planet,it's a matter of your good character and goodness that matters in the long run.
Earth to Mitt: you had your chance.
LG communities would be much better served if they would just quit waving their flag, displaying and acting on LG problems, and shoving it in the straight persons face and saying that anyone that does not agree with their antics is a Homophobic person. Some of really don't like the display of even straight over amorous couples out there that think it is cute to flaunt their affections. Personally I don't care what YOUR likes or dislikes are with another person as long as you leave it in YOUR home, or YOUR bedroom. I don't want to see it, hear it, or be subjected to it. All the rainbow flags, stickers, gloves or what ever are is a desperate attempt to shove your beliefs in my face and frankly I don't like it. Keep it to yourselves and stay true to your own hearts and let the rest of the world wonder what you are up to, don't advertise.