Senator Steve Farley at this celebration this afternoon. Noticed several businesses had signs in their windows "We don't discriminate - Veto" re: SB 1062. Joined the Wingspan march to the State Bldg. with protestors shouting "Our State, don't hate, we do not discriminate" for a short time. Otherwise several booths were along 4th Avenue promoting The District (on E. 5th & 6th Streets) and the new apt. complex The Junction (on E. 9th St. east of 4th Avenue). Next Destination celebration will be downtown on March 25.

Too bad about not being able to get "Inequality for All" film by Robert Reich -- I saw it (and reviewed it) at the Loft and it is a very compelling movie.

Thanks for your comment Gabrielle to Victor, who first notified me about this play. He's a terrific actor, whom I've seen in several productions around town. I hope I can squeeze this civil rights play into my schedule before March 9th.

Peaceful day at the peace fair with lots of booths and a Native American drumming circle Earth Spirit on the stage at the start. Checked out the Climate Cabaret where Global Community Alliance children's choir sang 3 eco-friendly songs, followed by a play entitled "I Guess He's Not Hungry" (about tainted fish, GMO salads, effluent based drinking water). Then 11 Raging Grannies sang songs against nuclear power, frakking, President Obama's broken promises, TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership), and pro climate care and fellow granny Betts Putnam-Hidalgo for TUSD. Continues today till 5 p.m. at Reid Park.

Senator Olivia Cajero Bedford (LD 3) joking said today at the Arizona Women's Political caucus lunch that she was refused service in a local pizza restaurant last night. She voted against SB 1062 as a Democrat.

About 35 people at lunch today to hear from 5 of the women legislators (State Senator Dalessandro was absent). They confirmed that SB 1062 was a "terrible" bill, passed under the "guise of religious freedom", and to call Governor Brewer to try to stop her from signing it. Also several of the legislators said that HB 2379 (defunding the public libraries) is "effectively dead" in committee. Rep. Steele called their group "fighting women warriors" and each spoke of their particular interests. Rep. Mach spoke about educational investment, CPS restructuring/funding, and disability language. Steele spoke of two E.R.A. bills, HURF funding, youth mental health first aid, drug treatment for prisoners. Rep. Gabaldon talked about ADEQ water refunding, Mexico/US border relations & transportation, childhood obesity, car decals for 1st responders. Senator Cajero Bedford spoke of election reform, workers' "return to work" bill, and is seeking her 8th term in House/Senate. Rep. Gonzales reported on the Reform & Human Services Committee trying to cap AHCCCS, push through inspections of abortion clinics & parental consent; need for drug rehabilitation and CPS reform. Clerk of the Superior Court Toni Hellon also present.

Demonstration in Tucson at Wingspan, 430 E. 7th St. at 4:00 p.m. today against these bills.

Congratutions to Republican LD 9 State Rep. Ethan Orr for voting no on this discriminatory legislation. Here's the statement from the Pima County Democratic Party and LD 2 Rep. Demion Clinco (also voting no): "Arizona’s Republican-led House of Representatives today embraced religious bigotry in Arizona by passing SB 1062. The bill permits individuals and businesses in Arizona to claim “religious freedom” if they wish to deny goods or services to members of the LGBT community or other non-protected classes of citizens. The bill also permits employers to discriminate in hiring and employee pay so long as they claim the "exercise of religion" in doing so. Crafted with help from the fundamentalist right-wing advocacy organization Center for Arizona Policy, SB 1062 once again pushes Arizona to the fringe of the U.S. political spectrum. In doing so it leaves the state open to nationwide ridicule as well as possible financial and legal repercussions. "The hypocrisy of these so-called 'Christian Republicans' is stunning,” said Pima County Democratic Party Chair Don Jorgensen. “Not only have a majority of Republican legislators turned their backs on the teachings of Jesus to be servants to all, they have yet again tarnished Arizona’s reputation and likely given the state a huge economic black eye. By promoting legal discrimination against fellow human beings, we can only assume that none of them stopped to ask 'What would Jesus do?'” "If the Governor signs this bill she will cement her legacy as the most divisive governor in Arizona history," added Jorgensen. In a textbook example of “doublespeak” supporters of the measure argue that the legislation actually expands civil rights, essentially saying: “by opposing this effort you’re being intolerant of our intolerance.” “As the only LGBT member of the Arizona House of Representatives I am deeply saddened and appalled that this legislation was defended and voted to pass,” said LD-2 Representative Demion Clinco. “Any legislation that sanctions discrimination tarnishes of our great state and hurts our neighbors and friends.”

Thanks Mary for the update on the many booths/groups to be at the peace fair, now in its 32nd year.

Thanks for the praise Mary. We volunteer bloggers do this reporting because we care deeply about these issues.

Thanks Bobby, your story was very touching and glad you are back employed and helping homeless vets.