The Phoenix Mercury and NBA's Phoenix Suns have joined a growing group of voices in opposition to Arizona Senate Bill 1062, which, according to CNN, "would amend the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers so long as proprietors were acting solely on their religious beliefs."
Laurie Merrill and Peter Corbett of the Arizona Republic report that among the concerns - beyond the civil rights debates inherent to such a bill - is that Glendale could lose the right to host the 2015 Super Bowl if Governor Jan Brewer signs the bill into law before the Friday deadline.
The NFL's Arizona Cardinals previously released a statement as well denouncing the bill in addition to the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee. The Mercury's series of tweets is below:
The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury issue the following statement regarding Arizona Senate Bill 1062:
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 26, 2014
"Sports has the unique power to unite, to bring together a community without regard to individual differences. (Cont.)
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 26, 2014
The Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Mercury are proud members of this community, and we embrace fans, families and businesses of every stripe. (Cont)
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 26, 2014
We are steadfastly committed to the principles of inclusivity and acceptance, (cont.)
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 26, 2014
and cannot support anything that is not in line with that philosophy."
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 26, 2014