Take Action Now: Tell Governor Hobbs to Use Her Veto Pen on SB1741 and SB1573 |
| We’re reaching out with an urgent request: The AZGOP has passed two terrible bills and sent them to the Governor to sign. There’s not much time left for a veto to apply, so please take action as soon as possible. Please contact Governor Hobbs and ask her to veto SB1741 and SB1573. SB741 would allow religious groups to pull students from class for religious instruction in public schools, exposing students to indoctrination and discrimination. So-called released time programs were originally designed to accommodate religious families, but these policies have been exploited by religious groups like LifeWise Academy, a Christian nationalist organization that treats public schools as mission fields where they minister to students without their families present. Forcing schools to allow such unregulated programs takes instruction time away from students and exposes nonreligious, LGBTQIA+, and other students who don’t agree or participate to bullying and harassment. SB1573 would ban courts from using “religious sectarian law” in their decisions, which sounds great… except there’s a provision stating unless it’s “based on Anglo-American legal tradition and principles.” This translates to white Christian nationalism and is an attempt to marginalize non-Christians and the non-religious. Courts should not use any religious laws, whether that’s canon law. Sharia law, or the 10 Commandments. This is a loophole that will be used to sneak in religious historical British and American law; for example, the The Supreme Court used a 13th century British law to justify taking away abortion rights in the Dobbs decision. Plus, the “originalism” doctrine of interpreting the Constitution keeps us mired in the 17th century, when women and non-white people had no rights. You can use the above link to make a comment or email the Governor at engage@az.gov at any time. During business hours, you can call 602-542- 4331. Thank you for standing up for separation of church and state! Let’s knock these bad bills out once and for all. |