February 24, 2014 | Sex & Society

Welcome to Arizona, little Russia of the USA

Last week, Arizona politicians passed a law that would allow vendors to deny service to gay customers on religious grounds. The bill, known as the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act," was approved by Republican-controlled legislature on Thursday.

The bill was heavily inluenced by the Center for Arizona Policy, a social conservative group that opposes abortion and gay marriage. The group claimed the bill was a response to increasingly "activist" federal courts that were allowing same-sex marriage.

"The world is upset with how Russia has treated gay rights... I think it's time for that same anger to be directed towards AZ," countered state House minority leader, Democrat Chad Campbell, through Twitter.

Governor Jan Brewer has not said whether she will sign the bill or veto it. "It's a very controversial piece of legislation," Brewer said. "I will make my decision probably by next Friday, if I do decide to sign it."

Soon gays will only be able to drink from certain water fountains and be asked to sit at the back of the bus. Can this really be happening in 2014?

Wary Arizona businesses urge veto of anti-gay bill [LA Times]

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer: ‘I’ve Got Plenty of Time’ to Decide on Anti-Gay Bill [ABC News]