If Florida Tries To Pass An Anti-Gay Bill Like Arizona's, Rick Scott Says He'd Veto It

Rick Scott Would Veto Arizona's Anti-Gay Bill

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) stepped up to the plate on Wednesday afternoon, asserting that he would veto anti-gay legislation like Arizona's SB 1062 should a similar measure hit his desk in Florida.

Earlier Wednesday, Scott dodged questions about his stance on such a bill, repeatedly telling MSNBC's Chuck Todd, "I haven't seen the bill."

Scott's Democratic opponent for governor, former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, called Scott's reluctance to take a position "stunning." Soon after, Scott came out against the bill.

"I don't want to tell Governor Brewer what to do, she can do what's best for her state. From my understanding of that bill, I would veto it in Florida because it seems unnecessary," Scott said in a statement.

"I am very much opposed to forcing anyone to violate their conscience or their religious beliefs, and of course, I'm very much opposed to discrimination," Scott said. "As a society, we need to spend more time learning to love and tolerate each other, and less time trying to win arguments in courts of law."

The bill has faced fierce opposition, garnering criticism from politicians in Arizona and across the country. Both of the state's Republican senators, Jeff Flake and John McCain, have urged Brewer to veto the bill. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney also called on Brewer to issue a veto.

Brewer has until the end of Saturday to make her decision. She held a series of meetings with supporters and opponents of the legislation on Wednesday.

Brewer has not indicated which way she's leaning, saying only that she'll "do the right thing for the state of Arizona."

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Robert Bentley (R-Ala.)

United States Governors

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