HB 2713 Approved By Senate Committee of the Whole By Mark R. Kerr

PHOENIX (Observer Update) - After rancorous floor debate, the Arizona Senate gave initial approval to HB 2713.

Entitled "students' religious liberties act," HB 2713 leaves open the possibility for a school's anti-harassment, anti-bullying or non-discrimination policies to be invalidated. The backers of the bill say this is not the intent. Yet, the Center for Arizona Policy (the group pushing the proposed state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships) opposed an amendment to the bill that would have ensured that schools would still be able to enforce their anti-harassment, discrimination and bullying policies.

HB 2713 awaits a final vote in the Senate and if approved, would be sent to the governor's desk for consideration.

Call (800-352-8404) or E-mail your Senator and let them know your opposition to the bill. To take further action go online to Equality Arizona's action page.