Gay former Arizona politician: Veto of SB 1062 was ‘right thing’
Feb 27, 2014, 3:08 PM | Updated: 3:09 pm
PHOENIX — Prominent members of the gay community are rejoicing after Governor Jan Brewer killed a controversial bill that some said would have legalized discrimination.
Former Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot, who is openly gay, is one of those people.
“I raced home, turned on the TV to watch what I hoped would be good news,” he said.
Simplot had served the city for a decade, during which time he became a champion for LGBTQ rights.
“It was a huge sigh of relief, she did the right thing,” he said. “Had she not vetoed SB 1062, it would have been catastrophic. Without a doubt, she listened very closely to the business community.”
Simplot was in office during the SB 1070 ordeal and expects the state’s image, which has taken a beating once again, will recover.
“At the end of the day, those folks who visit the state, visit Phoenix know that we are a welcoming state and welcoming city and they will continue to come back,” he said.