Written by Don Byrd
The Arizona Legislature passed a bill this evening amending its state version of RFRA. The changes seem designed to bolster the rights of individuals and businesses to refuse service to others based on religious beliefs.
The Christian Science Monitor reports:
The bill allows any business, church or person to cite the law as a defense in any action brought by the government or individual claiming discrimination. It also allows the business or person to seek an injunction once they show their actions are based on a sincere religious belief and the claim places a burden on the exercise of their religion.
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Opponents raised scenarios in which gay people in Arizona could be denied service at a restaurant or refused medical treatment if a business owner thought homosexuality was not in accordance with his religion.
The bill, which you can read here, now heads to Governor Brewer for her signature. She vetoed similar legislation a year ago.
