The 33-27 vote by the House Thursday evening sends the legislation to Republican Gov. Jan Brewer and puts Arizona back at the forefront of a polarizing piece of legislation four years after the state enacted an immigration crackdown that caused a national furor. Similar religious protection legislation has been introduced in Ohio, Mississippi,
Religious Freedom Bill Riles Gay Rights Supporters
The bill allows any business, church or person to cite the law as a defense in any action brought by the government or individual claiming discrimination.