Recently, more than 20 LGBT equality groups including the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Equality Federation, and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force issued a statement opposing Arizona’s SB 1070 on the grounds that it will lead to racial profiling, discrimination and anti-immigrant extremism. The LGBT community knows all too well how easily people who “look different” or “act different” can be singled out for harassment and persecution. Indeed, this bill will have negative implications for our community as well as the broader Latino and immigrant community. Working closely and collaborative with our allies, including our Latino and immigrant brothers and sisters, is a fundamental tenet of how we will achieve full equality for all LGBT people.
HRC is proud to recognize the many constructive efforts going on within Arizona to strengthen and empower the Latino and immigrant community. Whether it be citizenship fairs or small business training and development opportunities, there are a variety of positive efforts that go on every day and in which our volunteers are involved. Latinos are a vital part of the fabric of our society in Arizona and around the nation.
The statement that was issued by the LGBT organizations includes language about a boycott against the state. Where HRC is concerned, the boycott is quite limited in nature, as follows:
- The boycott only applies to bringing in outside conferences and meetings into the state. HRC did not and does not have any meetings planned in the state.
- The HRC dinner is not affected by the boycott. It is a local event produced by our volunteer leadership.
- Arizona continues to be a priority state for HRC. Effectuating positive change is now more than ever a priority. The boycott does not apply to political contributions made by HRC to candidates or causes in the state. Similarly, staff travel to the state is unaffected.
We understand that Arizonans stand on many sides of this issue. We have taken a principled stand that we believe is just as important to LGBT people as it is to Latinos and immigrants. The nature of our boycott is also quite limited. We encourage Arizona residents and visitors to patronize businesses that have supported the LGBT community and that are engaged in opposing SB 1070. Thank you for your continued support as we work through this issue.
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