This morning on MSNBC , Governor Scott hedged about what he would do if he were in Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's shoes regarding that state's controversial law that would amend the state's existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers so long as proprietors were acting solely on their religious beliefs.
The lack of a definitive response prompted criticism from Democrats. But now Scott says he would veto the bill.
Here's his statement:
“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. In Florida we are focused on economic growth, and not on things that divide us. We are for freedom here in Florida. And we want everyone to come here, create jobs, and live in freedom, and that includes religious liberty. 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. 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. Other states can spend their time fighting over issues like this, but in Florida we are laser focused on creating jobs and opportunities. It’s working, and we need to keep it going and will not get distracted by this or anything else.”—
In response, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist said, "Being against discrimination is not the kind of issue that requires much thought, but I am glad that after the justifiable outrage to Governor Scott's response to the issue, he came around to the right position."
Earlier Scott had offered no comment when asked his thoughts about the issue when queried about by MSNBC's Chuck Todd on his program The Daily Rundown.