John McCain Urges Veto of Arizona Anti-Gay Bill

Both of Arizona’s Republican senators have called on Gov. Jan Brewer to abandon a state bill that would allow businesses to deny services to LGBT people on the basis of religious beliefs.

Sen. John McCain tweeted Monday that he hopes Brewer will veto the legislation:

Jeff Flake, McCain’s Arizona counterpart, tweeted the same last Saturday:

The controversial bill, known as SB 1062, has triggered a backlash against Arizona from gay-rights advocates, who say it amounts to legalized discrimination.

At least one GOP state lawmaker who supported the bill has reversed his position, saying that the proposal has hurt Arizona’s image.

Brewer faces a tough decision on whether to veto the bill. She’s under pressure from conservative groups to sign it, but an increasing number of GOP officials have come out against it.

It’s not just politicians urging her not to sign it. Brandon McCarthy, a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, tweeted this last Friday:

The governor has five days to sign the bill from the time it reaches her desk. The state senate could send it to her as early as Monday, according to the Associated Press. So far, she has not said how she will decide.

Brewer might recall the adverse repercussions of another bill she signed into law: SB 1070, the law that allowed Arizona cops to check the immigration status of anyone they suspected of being in the country illegally.

The law was partially struck down by the Supreme Court, but not before it triggered boycotts and mass protests, which fueled a negative perception of the state.

Jordan Fabian is Fusion’s politics editor, writing about campaigns, Congress, immigration, and more. When he’s not working, you can find him at the ice rink or at home with his wife, Melissa.