PHOENIX – A member of the Arizona Tourism Advisory Council has resigned from his appointment in protest after the Republican governor’s continued attempts to revoke benefits for same-sex couples that work for the state, reports The Arizona Republic.
Edwin Leslie, who lives with his partner and their son in Phoenix, delivered his resignation to Gov. Jan Brewer after she decided to appeal the appellate court’s decision to the Supreme Court July 2. In his letter, Leslie calls out Brewer for remarks she made during Fourth of July celebrations.
“Your actions taken on July 8, 2012 in determining to seek the Supreme Courts intervention in the state of Arizona’s duty to provide same-sex domestic partners with insurance and other benefits are in direct conflict with your reiteration that all Americans are entitled to the same ‘inalienable rights,’” wrote Leslie.
According to Leslie, Brewer’s actions could cost Arizona tourism dollars because of the harsh message she has sent to gay couples around the country.
