HRC, Representative Lorena Austin denounce violent threat on local LGBTQ+ owned business

PHOENIX, AZ – On the heels of several anti-LGBTQ+ bills moving through the Republican-led legislature and the threat on a local LGBTQ+ owned business, the Human Rights Campaign in Arizona and Arizona State Representative Lorena Austin have released the following statement: 
 

“The recent threat on local LGBTQ+ owned business, an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ folks and a place for the drag community to gather, is beyond disturbing. There has been a nationwide trend to ban these spaces in state legislatures. As a member of the Arizona State Legislature, and a fierce advocate for my community, I know that we have to defeat this legislation and work towards a majority that fights for everyone,” said Representative Lorena Austin.

“It is no coincidence that bills targeting LGBTQ folks are moving through the legislature at the same time that real-life threats are emerging. A bill specifically targeting the drag community sponsored by Senator Anthony Kern, emboldens these types of threats, and normalizes the marginalization of already vulnerable communities. The Arizona GOP has gone too far, and we cannot allow them to retain power in our state,” said Bridget Sharpe, Arizona State Director, Human Rights Campaign.
 

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