Hispanic lawyers pull conference from Arizona
The Hispanic National Bar Association says it will cancel its 2015 convention in Phoenix over legislation adding protections for people who assert their religious beliefs in refusing service to gays.
The lawyers’ association becomes one of the first groups to pull an event from that state.
President Miguel Alexander Pozo says the group’s board of governors voted unanimously not to hold its national convention in Arizona. He says, quote, “It is imperative that we speak up and take immediate action in the presence of injustice.”
Last year, the Hispanic National Bar Association’s convention drew about 2,000 people to Denver.
Business and tourism groups have warned state lawmakers that the bill could adversely affect Arizona’s tourism industry. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has until Saturday to either sign or veto the bill.
