FEBRUARY 26, 2014
Melvin urges governor to sign SB1062
Challenges GOP opponents to reverse course
“The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), also known as SB1062, protects the rights of every Arizonan to work and live according to their faith. It prohibits punishing someone because of their faith. It is common sense, it is good law, it was carefully crafted, it was supported by more than 90 percent of the Republicans in the Legislature, and I strongly urge the Governor to sign the bill.” Al Melvin, speaking on SB1062.
Melvin spoke at a GOP candidate forum on Saturday and was the only candidate for Governor to support SB1062.
"I was disappointed how fast my fellow Republican candidates for Governor caved to the media and liberal pressure. Each of them offered excuses, but none of them were willing to stand up and publicly fight to protect the religious liberties of Arizonan citizens and businesses.” said Melvin, adding “They need to look past the media-driven hysteria and look at the bill itself. It is only two pages long and there is no excuse for them not to know better.”
Melvin went further, urging each of his opponents to reverse course and support the bill. “We all make mistakes, but real leadership means being able to admit when you are wrong and correcting your course. You don¹t have to spend 30 years in the Naval Reserves as I did to know how important course correction is.”
SB1062 modifies Arizona’s existing protections and brings them into line with the federal RFRA. Furthermore, SB1062 added language to ensure additional protection against the frivolous use of religious beliefs as a defense against behavior that might be considered discriminatory.
“The extremists on the left are using the same hysterical language they did when they opposed SB1070. But SB1070 turned out to be right for Arizona, the hysterics were proven to be nothing more than simple fantasy designed to whip up opposition, and the Arizona Legislature and Governor Brewer were both vindicated for passing and signing it. My hope is that Arizonans will rally to fight for this bill by contacting the Governor and asking her to sign it. If she does not, then I hope they will rally to my campaign so that we can elect someone who will sign the bill in 2015.”
Melvin serves as Chairman of the Commerce, Energy and Military Committee and founded the highly successful Mining Caucus and Tourism Caucus. He has had a long business career in international trade and transportation, is a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY and received his MBA degree from Thunderbird-School of Global Management in Glendale, AZ. Prior to his election to the Senate, he taught college level courses as an adjunct, in economics, international business and management.
Melvin is a military veteran and graduate of the US Naval War College. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service as Squadron Commander of COMPSRONTWO, then the largest ship squadron in the US Navy (14 ships) based at the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. In 1999, after 30 years in the US Naval Reserve, he retired as a Navy Captain, the equivalent of a full colonel.
He is a member of the VFW, American Legion, Military Officers of America and other military related organizations. Sen. Melvin is a life Member of the NRA (National Rifle Association). He is a member of the Elks, Rotary and Knights of Columbus, and he remains a proud Eagle Scout (class of ‘61).
Al and his wife Kou reside in SaddleBrooke in Pinal County, just north of Tucson and attend Santa Catalina Catholic Church in Catalina.
