Fwd: Supreme Court strikes down key provisions of Arizona’s anti-immigrant law

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From: "National Gay and Lesbian Task Force" <Media@theTaskForce.org>
Date: June 25, 2012 12:05:08 PM EDT
To: "Faisal Alam" <alam.faisal@gmail.com>
Subject: Supreme Court strikes down key provisions of Arizona's anti-immigrant law
Reply-To: <Media@theTaskForce.org>

MEDIA CONTACT: Inga Sarda-Sorensen Director of Communications (Office) 646.358.1463 (Cell) 202.641.5592 isorensen@theTaskForce.org Supreme Court strikes down key provisions of Arizona's anti-immigrant law WASHINGTON, June 25 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a longtime advocate for comprehensive and humane immigration reform, responded to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling today striking down significant portions of SB 1070, Arizona's anti-immigrant law. The court did, however, leave intact the racist "show me your papers" provision. The Task Force has repeatedly spoken out against the unjust law. Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force "This ruling strikes down some key provisions of a draconian law that makes people more vulnerable to abuse. SB 1070 and laws like it only serve to divide us by opening the door to racial profiling, infringement of civil rights, and harassment and violence against those seen as 'different.' While we are encouraged by parts of today's decision, the path has been cleared for the most offensive portion of the law – the 'show me your papers' provision – to take effect. Nobody should be forced to live in constant fear of having their family torn part, of being separated from their loved ones, while simply trying to go about their daily lives. "The bottom line is that Arizona's anti-immigrant law is a license to discriminate. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people know all too well how easily those who are perceived to 'look different' or 'act different' can be singled out for persecution. "This ruling spotlights the critical need for comprehensive immigration reform, and we continue to urge Congress to make it a priority. Laws that target and demonize people are not the answer; stripping people of their civil liberties and humanity is not the answer. Our political leaders must work toward reform that is fair and humane. SB 1070  was a cruel, ill-conceived idea that wasted taxpayer dollars and demeaned our country's values of fairness and freedom." To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, visit www.theTaskForce.org and follow us on Twitter: @TheTaskForce. –30– The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund builds the grassroots political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The Task Force Action Fund does this through direct and grassroots lobbying to defeat anti-LGBT ballot initiatives and legislation, and works to pass pro-LGBT legislation and other progressive initiatives. The Task Force Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation incorporated in New York. Contributions to the Task Force Action Fund are not tax-deductible.

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