Mitt Romney Urges Arizona Governor To Veto Bill Seen As Anti-Gay

Tweets at Jan Brewer to scrap controversial bill allowing businesses to refuse services to gay and lesbian couples

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The Republican Party’s 2012 presidential nominee became the latest high-profile public figure to criticize a bill in Arizona that would permit businesses to refuse services to gay and lesbian couples based on religious beliefs.

Mitt Romney urged Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to veto the bill in a tweet Tuesday:

Romney, a former chairman of the Republican Governor’s Association, signaled Brewer should scrap the legislation despite his stated opposition to gay marriage. Earlier this month, the former Massachusetts governor reaffirmed his belief that marriage should be between one man and one woman on NBC’s Meet the Press.

Brewer must decide whether to sign or veto the controversial legislation before Saturday, according to CNN.

The bill has divided opinion in Arizona, with critics arguing it unfairly discriminates against gays and lesbians and supporters claiming it protects religious freedoms.

John McCain, Arizona’s Republican senator, has also criticized the bill, as have several prominent voices in the business community, including American Airlines, Apple, Marriott Hotels and the National Football League.

The bill was approved by the state’s Senate and House last week.