PHOENIX —This week a group of bipartisan legislators introduced HB 2586, which would extend Arizona’s current non-discrimination protections to gay and transgender Arizonans in employment, housing and public accommodations. This is the first time a LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination bill has had bipartisan support at the Arizona Legislature. The bill is sponsored by Representative Daniel Hernandez (D, LD 2), and co-sponsored by Representative César Chávez (D, LD 29), Representative Tony Navarette (D, LD 30), and Senator Kate Brophy McGee (R, LD 28).

Currently, five municipalities have ordinances that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, Arizona has no statewide laws that protect gay and transgender individuals from being fired, denied housing or refused service simply for being gay or transgender.

"This bill is consistent with what Jesus taught us when he said, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If we want certain protections under the law for ourselves then we must be willing to share those protections with everyone else. I urge our church members to encourage their legislators to pass HB2586," said Rev. Dr. William M. Lyons, Southwest Conference United Church of Christ.