Over two hundred twenty-five Business and Faith leaders state support of equal treatment for LGBTQ people ahead of Scottsdale City Council vote on LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination ordinance
(Scottsdale, ARIZ. April 20th, 2021) – As non-discrimination efforts advance across Arizona with the passage of a non-discrimination ordinance in Mesa and Scottsdale expected to pass an ordinance this evening, business and faith leaders have come together in support of equal treatment for LGBTQ people. Over 150 business leaders including the Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Arizona Technology Council, Chicanos Por La Causa, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Local First Arizona, Sunbelt Holdings and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona have signed onto a letter supporting equal treatment for LGBTQ people, and seventy-five faith leaders have signed onto an open letter in support of equal treatment for LGBTQ people, including leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, United Church of Christ and Jewish faiths.
“Equal treatment has overwhelming support among Arizonans and Americans, which is reflected in the diversity of the signers of these letters. At its core, protecting people from discrimination is about treating others as we want to be treated. All hard-working people, including those who are LGBTQ, want to do their jobs and provide for their families. Nobody should have to live in fear that they can be legally fired, evicted from their homes, or kicked out of a store just for being who they are,” said Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder of ONE Community.
“Inclusion and equal rights are universal values, central to the beliefs of Arizonans, faith communities, and to good business practice,” said Michael Soto, Executive Director of Equality Arizona. “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, without exception, and it’s clear that leading Arizonans agree.”
Full letters and signers below:
An Open Letter from the Arizona Business Community
As citizens and leaders in the business community, we write in support of non-discrimination ordinances that protect all people, including LGBTQ people, from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.
When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, businesses like ours need all of the available tools in the toolbox. In Arizona, we’re fortunate to have a lot of those tools: a great business environment, affordability, beautiful climate, and more. However, the crucial missing piece is equal treatment for all residents.
Arizona’s current non-discrimination law protects employees based on race, age, gender, religion, national origin and disability, but that protection does not extend to sexual orientation or gender identity. That means, in Arizona, it is not illegal to fire someone, deny housing or refuse service based on who they are or who they love.
We represent a wide range of industries, but what we have in common with each other and with so many industries nationwide, is that we all need talent to succeed and we all want Arizona to succeed.
In very practical terms, by denying legal protections to those in the LGBTQ community, we risk losing talent and business to nearby states – Nevada, California, Colorado, and New Mexico – that offer the guarantee of equal protection under the law. Our lack of equal treatment for all people is not only wrong, but it is also bad for economic sustainability and growth. It puts us at risk of reputational damage from discriminatory measures like SB1062 that threatened the loss of large national events like the Super Bowl. Arizona can no longer afford to have unnecessary barriers in place that put us at a distinct disadvantage.
We believe that the majority of people are good and don’t discriminate, but when discrimination does occur, it’s important for people to have legal recourse. It’s just not enough for businesses to have inclusive policies. People should be protected both in and out of the workplace, and our state’s stance on equal protections sends an important message to current and prospective talent about our values and culture.
Simply put, protecting people from discrimination is about treating others as we want to be treated. The principles of non-discrimination are rooted in core American values of fairness, equality, and opportunity. All hard-working people, including those who are LGBTQ, want to do their jobs and provide for their families. Nobody should have to live in fear that they can be legally fired, evicted from their homes, or kicked out of a store just for being who they are.
In fact, 94% of Fortune 500 companies have non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity. If we wish to continue to attract and retain these companies, now is the time for Arizona to have a non-discrimination law to match. It is not enough for these companies to have employment protections – they want their employees protected both in and out of the workplace.
It’s reassuring to know that non-discrimination ordinances aren’t a partisan issue. A 2018 poll by OH Predictive Insights showed that likely voters favored non-discrimination protections in employment, housing and public services at over 70%, and self-identified likely conservative voters favored those protections at over 50%.
Most importantly, all of us care about safety and privacy. Contrary to false arguments by the opposition, nothing about LGBTQ inclusive ordinances changes the fact that it is illegal to enter a restroom or facility to harm or harass people or invade their privacy. Any predator who tries to enter a women’s facility would be subject to arrest and prosecution just as they are today. It’s important to know that more than 300 cities across the U.S. have already implemented these types of ordinances with no increase in public safety incidents.
If we want to live in a place that remains competitive, attracts the very best talent, has a strong economy, and is a vibrant place to live, then we must also be open for business to everyone. We respectfully urge all Arizona residents to join in support of public policy that provides equal protections for LGBTQ people.
Add your Organization to the list of signers
Sincerely,
Steve Seleznow, President & CEO, Arizona Community Foundation
Xavier Gutierrez, President & CEO, Arizona Coyotes
Derrick Hall, CEO, Arizona Diamondbacks
Bobby Dulle, General Manager, Phoenix Rising
John Graham President & CEO Sunbelt Holdings
Lyndsey, Frye President, Arizona Kachinas Hockey Association
Kimbery Sabow, President & CEO, Arizona Lodging and Tourism
Neil Giuliano, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Leadership
Chris Camacho, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Devney Preuss, President & CEO, Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Steven Zylstra, President & CEO, Arizona Technology Council
Michael Stavros, Partner, M Culinary Concepts
Sheila Kloefkorn President & CEO, KEO Marketing
Kimber Lanning, Founder, Local First Arizona
Pam Kehaly, President & CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Matt Owens, Managing Partner, OH Partners
David Adame, President & CEO, Chicanos Por La Causa
Jason Wong, Chairman, Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders
Diana Yazzie Devine, President & CEO, Native American Connections
Rachel Sacco, President & CEO, Experience Scottsdale
Robin Reed, President & CEO, Black Chamber of Arizona
Monica Villalobos, President & CEO, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Robert Heidt, President & CEO, Glendale Chamber of Commerce
Isabel Georgelos, Interim President/CEO, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Yvette Jackson, Executive Director, Devereux Arizona
Adam Goodman, President & CEO, Goodman's Interiors
Gonzalo de la Melana Jr., Founder + CEO, Emerging Airport Ventures
Dana Marie Kennedy, State Director, AARP Arizona
Jenny Poon, Founder, Co+Hoots
Rob Fullmer, Executive Director, Arizona Craft Brewers Guild
Tammy McLeod, President & CEO, Flinn Foundation
Ed Zito, Managing Partner, Black Point Ventures, LLC
Michael Mooney, Interim President & CEO, Visit Phoenix
Ricardo Carlo, President, Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona
Kari Archer, Chair, Marriott Business Council
Angela Hughey, co-founder & President, ONE Community
Michael Soto, Executive Director, Equality Arizona
James Christensen, President & CEO, Gateway Bank
Doug Bruhnke, CEO & Founder, Global Chamber
Catherine Scrivano, President , CASCO Financial Group
Howard Fleischmann, CEO, Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair
Dennis Kavanaugh, President, Dennis Kavanaugh PC
Alec Melger, US Operations Specialist, Design Pickle
Christopher Meyer, General Manager, Four Peaks Brewing Co.
Lavanya Sunder, General Manager, Culdesac
Marc Garcia, President & CEO, Visit Mesa
Jacob Schmitt, President & CEO, Arizona’s Children Association
Elena Joy Thurston, Executive Director, Pride and Joy Foundation
Dr. Gerd Wuestemann, President & CEO, Scottsdale Center for the Arts
Jason Rose, President , Rose+Moser+Allyn Public Relations
Chuck Warshaver, President, Gellert Health
Scott Wallace, Owner, Republic West Remodeling
Benjamin Groff, Vice President, Groff-Swint Media
Cicely Rocha Miller, Event Designer, Life Design Events
Michelle Kauk, Founder & President, Mode Public Affairs
Kim Larkin, Founder & President, MXD Arts
Wes Gullet, CEO, OH Strategic Communications
Susanne Slake, CEO, Slake Consulting
Mary Kelly, CEO, StraTech Education Group
Dr. Joel P. Martin, President Triad West, Inc. Consulting
Kristine Mill, Owner, Wok This Way Food Truck with a Cause
Jennifer Duff, President, Jef International Inc
Eileen Rogers, President, Sregor, LLC
Mark Hayduke Grenard, CEO, Mark's Bookmark Bookseller
Cindy Dach, CEO, MADE Art Boutique
Donald Nottingham, Owner, Design One International
Dr. Sophia Murphy, Owner, Health Synergy LLC
Barb Harris, Partner, TeamWorks PR
Michael Marquess, CEO, Mother Road Brewing Company
Anthony Macleod, CEO, Ally Pediatric Therapy
Susan Baier, Owner, Audience Audit
Nate Rhoton, Executive Director, one-n-ten
Bill Gemmill, VP of Operations, OUTvoices Phoenix, Aequalitas Media
Katee Van Horn, Founder & President, VH Included Consulting
Dr. Shanon Steinhauser, Owner, Phoenix Eyecare
Eileen Rogers, President, One Creative View, LLC
Tami Staas, President, Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization
Edgar R. Olivo, President & CEO, Compass CBS Foundation
Paul A. Taliercio, Director & Curator, The Sapien Museum of Anthropology and Natural History
Kenneth Richard Barrett, Owner, Phoenix General Store
Diana Wilson, Chief Executive Advisor, Aspen Behavioral Consulting
Nicole Bennett, Owner, Perry Consulting
Tony Felice, Founder, The Felice Agency
Robert & Cindy Leger, Owners, Ocotillo Music
Kira Geddes, Owner, Casa Kira
Athena Gibbons, Chief Operating Officer, A & P Global Goods
Mike Fornelli, Executive Director, Phoenix Pride
Scott Wallace, Owner, Thingz Contemporary Living
Chuck Peterson, Executive Director, Southwest Center
Shannon McBride, Executive Director, 19North
Jimmy Thomason, Executive Director, Aunt Rita's Foundation
Jill Roberts, Owner, Draftwood Design
Daniel Davidson and Korina Callahan, Co-Owners, Kaibab Behavioral Services
Darby Vance, Founder & Content Creator, Full Swing Video
Heather Torriente, Owner, Tantrum Salon
Pamela Slim, Co-Founder, K'é Main Street Learning Lab
Cindy Dach, CEO, Changing Hands Bookstore and First Draft Book Bar
Kristen Garcia-Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona
Diane Serpa, Owner, Grey Cat Dot Design
Lynn Davis, Executive Director, Sonoran Glass School
Jessica Belokas, Clinical Director Arizona, Autism Spectrum Therapies
Brendan Mahoney, General Counsel, HBI International
Scott Wallace, Owner, Habitat Renovations
Butch Leiber, Owner, Draw a Door Business Coaching
Rachel Boyer, Owner, Frame Photography by Rachel Boyer
Amy Ettinger, Vice President & Executive Director, Scottsdale International Film Festival
Scott Wallace, Owner, Boulevard Urban Living
Jude Nau, Managing Partner, Best Western Plus Sundial
Rich Newman, General Manager, Gainey Suites Hotel
Matthew Clyde, President + Founder, Ideas Collide
Doug Bruhnke, Founder & CEO, Global Chamber
Doug Arvanites, Principal, Viewpoint Merchant Consulting
Jeff Griffin, President, JP Griffin Group
Michelle Keoghan, Co-Owner, Remedy Salon and Spa
May Levine, Managing Partner, Sel Restaurant Group LLC
Scott Wallace, Owner, Fig & Birch Interiors
Kate Green Ph.D., Executive Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson
Maria DeNicola, Owner, Senza Pelo Med Spa
Katharine Halpin, Founder & CEO, The Halpin Companies, Inc.
Kurt Hanke, Founder, Handyman Xtreme
Amy Powell, Licensed Agent, HealthMarkets Insurance Agency
Judy Zimet, Esq., Real Estate Attorney & Associate Broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices AZ
Kay Massaro, President, Scottsdale Bedrooms
Marilyn Rodriguez, Partner, Creosote Partners
Aime Boekhout, Director of Operations, Wallbeds N More Scottsdale
Christy Moore, Founder & Owner, Social Spin, Inc.
Jill Roberts, Owner, Twigs & Twine
Francine Kades, Owner, The Balloon People
John & Nicole Salisbury, Owner, Modern Yoga
Emiel Martin Brott, Executive Director, The Drawing Studio
Kerwin Brown, Executive Director, UPI Loan Fund
Heather Boysel, Managing Member, Gammage & Burnham
Frankie Jo Rios, President & CEO, East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Leah Fregulia, Head of School & CEO, Arizona School for the Arts
Linda Whittley, Owner, Papa Ed's Ice Cream
Noémiekai Bath + Body, Noémie, Luce, Owner
Arjelia Gomez, President & CEO, Open Hearts Family Wellness
Lauren Henschen, CEO, Phoenix Center for the Arts
Jack Aronauer, President, The Palazzo Senior Living
Shaun McFarland, Clinic Manager, Amistad Clinic
Denise Gredler, President & CEO, Best Companies AZ
Tammy Medigovich, Designated Broker & Owner, Bella Casa Realty
Chad Wolver, Founder, Azul Analysis
William Babin, Producer, Big Zephyr Music
Paula Leeper, Owner, Ancient Healing Arts LLC
Glenn Kasprzyk, President, Coalition for the Enhancement of Prehospital Care
Laurie Battaglia, CEO, Aligned at Work
Beth Morrison, CEO, Our Family Services
Cara McGuire, Partner, McGuire Real Estate Partners
Mark Mettes, President & CEO, Herberger Theater Center
Shannon Scutari, President, Scutari & Co., LLC
Thomas Durisek, Owner, Open Wide Dental
Erin Westgate, Owner, Songbird Coffee House
John Phebus, Owner, The Law Offices of John Phebus, PLC
Mike Spangenberg, CEO & Co-Founder, State Forty-Eight
Terri Kimbel, President & CEO, Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Daniel Openden, President & CEO, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
Kaleim Manji, Chief Executive Officer, Talent Acquisition, Spear Education
Carmen Heredia, CEO, Valle del Sol
Benjamin Groff, Vice President, Groff – Swint Media
Law Offices of Vescio & Seifert, Lynda Vescio, Senior Partner
Arizona Sustainability Alliance, Ashley Camhi, Ph.D., Executive Director
Dive N Ride Adventures LLC, Lisa Malachowsky, Founder
Inspired Connections, Rhonda Bannard, Founder
MODE Public Relations, Michelle Kauk, Founder & President
Circle of Light Healing Therapies, Noémie, Luce, Owner
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation , Mary Vesely, Employee Engagement & Inclusion Program Manager
Ideas You LLC, Jill Clark, Owner
Law Office of Katherine Kraus, PLLC, Katherine Kraus, Managing Partner
