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:

The UNITY Summit is presented by the Sheila Kloefkorn Equality Fund. We will be guided by the key experts in the field tackling critical topics facing businesses and organizations today around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Moderated by: Angela Hughey, co-founder & President, ONE Community & ONE Community Foundation

Panelists:

Jake Clark, Senior Strategy Associate for Corporate Responsibility, JPM Chase

Christine Morissette, Senior Manager, Grant Systems and Administrations, PetSmart Charities

Thomas Barr, Executive Director, Local First Arizona

Todd Jaramillo, Regional Director, Global Medical Response