This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26361283

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Arizona Governor Brewer weighs 'anti-gay' bill SB 1062 Arizona Governor Brewer weighs 'anti-gay' bill SB 1062
(35 minutes later)
Arizona's governor is meeting opponents and supporters of a bill that would allow business owners to refuse service to gay people on religious grounds.Arizona's governor is meeting opponents and supporters of a bill that would allow business owners to refuse service to gay people on religious grounds.
The Republican has until Saturday to decide whether to sign or veto the measure, which has prompted protests. Republican Jan Brewer has till Saturday to decide whether to sign or veto the measure, which has prompted protests.
Supporters argue the legislation protects First Amendment rights for expression of religious beliefs.Supporters argue the legislation protects First Amendment rights for expression of religious beliefs.
Similar bills have been introduced in seven other US states, but Arizona is the only one to pass it.Similar bills have been introduced in seven other US states, but Arizona is the only one to pass it.
Governor Brewer returned to Arizona on Tuesday following a five-day trip to Washington DC, during which time her state became the centre of a national gay rights debate. Ms Brewer returned to Arizona on Tuesday following a five-day trip to Washington DC, during which time her state became the centre of a national gay rights debate.
Republicans recantRepublicans recant
The legislation, SB 1062, was passed on Thursday last week despite strong objections by state Democrats, who said it would clearly allow discrimination against gays.The legislation, SB 1062, was passed on Thursday last week despite strong objections by state Democrats, who said it would clearly allow discrimination against gays.
All but three Republicans in the state legislature voted in favour of the proposal at the time.All but three Republicans in the state legislature voted in favour of the proposal at the time.
But some Republican state senators who voted for the bill have since called for a veto.But some Republican state senators who voted for the bill have since called for a veto.
"We were uncomfortable with it to start with and went along with it thinking it was good for the caucus," Senator Steve Pierce told the Associated Press news agency."We were uncomfortable with it to start with and went along with it thinking it was good for the caucus," Senator Steve Pierce told the Associated Press news agency.
"We really didn't want to vote for it. But we made a mistake, and now we're trying to do what's right and correct it.""We really didn't want to vote for it. But we made a mistake, and now we're trying to do what's right and correct it."
John Kerry intervenesJohn Kerry intervenes
Governor Brewer, a conservative, has faced pressure from the business community to veto the bill, particularly to avoid distracting from the state's hosting of the 2015 Super Bowl.Governor Brewer, a conservative, has faced pressure from the business community to veto the bill, particularly to avoid distracting from the state's hosting of the 2015 Super Bowl.
But the state leader has also reportedly been pushed to sign by social conservatives who supported the bill, framing it as only a modest update on the state's existing religious freedom law.But the state leader has also reportedly been pushed to sign by social conservatives who supported the bill, framing it as only a modest update on the state's existing religious freedom law.
Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday urged Ms Brewer to "make the right decision" and veto the bill.Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday urged Ms Brewer to "make the right decision" and veto the bill.
But he predicted that even if she does sign the legislation, it would be struck down by the US Supreme Court.But he predicted that even if she does sign the legislation, it would be struck down by the US Supreme Court.
He was responding to a question about a new law in Uganda that punishes gay sex with up to life in prison.He was responding to a question about a new law in Uganda that punishes gay sex with up to life in prison.