Marriott Comes Out Swinging Against Arizona Gay Persecution Bill
Photo Credit: JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Marriott International
Skift Take
Marriott knows that this pro-discrimination bill by Arizona lawmakers could completely undo its conventions and leisure travel business in the state, and it doesn't want to see that happen.
Marriott is once again getting involved in a potentially divisive social and political issue.
In a letter to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (embedded below), representatives from the hotel giant came out publicly against Arizona Senate Bill 1062, which allows businesses to deny service to customers they believe may be gay or a lesbian.
Steve Hart, Area Vice President for Arizona, and Thomas Maloney, Director of Government Affairs co-signed the letter.
In it, they write
This measure ... would have profound negative impacts on the hospitality industry in Arizona and on the state's overall economic climate for years to come.
While we have still not returned to pre-2008 occupancy and revenue levels, our Arizona properties have seen a slow and steady recovery in both leisure and business stays since the end of the recession.
We have serious concerns that passage of SB 1062 would undermine -- or worse, counteract -- that pro
