After failing to keep the 1864 ban in place, Republicans attempt last ditch effort to grip onto power
May 8th, 2024
ARIZONA – Following Democrats successful repeal of the 1864 abortion ban, GOP legislators try to revive SB1070 era immigration politics, by introducing a ballot referral that mirrors a Texas Law that allows local law enforcement to racially profile people
In this new ballot referral— Republicans are baking language into text that ensures they could defend the law in court should they lose their grip on the legislature in November. The language allows members of the minority party to intervene in lawsuits to defend the constitutionality of this bill, and serves as insurance policy for Republicans should Democrats flip the legislature.
Governor Hobbs vetoed the Arizona Border Invasion Act, back in March, in part because the Texas law it is mirrored by is currently on hold while the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decides on a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. Even House Speaker Ben Toma said that with Texas litigation ongoing it would be premature to send the issue to voters.
“Arizonans refuse to go back to 1864 and they definitely do not want to go back to the show me your papers era,” said Chairwoman of the Arizona Democratic Party Yolanda Bejarano. “First, Arizona Republicans came for our abortion access and now they want to take us back to a shameful era of racial profiling– all because they are following Donald Trump’s lead. Democrats in the legislature are working tirelessly to move our state forward on the issues that matter the most– abortion rights, funding our schools, and protecting our water while Republicans focus on restricting our rights.”
ADLCC Co-Chair Priya Sundareshan added, “Watching the legislature for the past few weeks should have Arizonans bracing for impact on what right Republicans will come for next. Whether it’s our abortion rights or attempting to bring us back to the SB1070 era of racial profiling, extreme Arizona Republicans show no signs of stopping on their mission to move Arizona backward. Arizona Democrats are working for Arizonans, not against them, which is why this November Arizonans will flip the legislature so that Democrats can continue delivering results that move our state forward.”
Arizona Democrats are prepared to fight for our rights up and down the ticket. To learn more about key initiatives, how to vote or how to support Democrats this election cycle, please visit azdem.org.
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