After dodging a question on Arizona's proposed anti-LGBT bill, Gov. Rick Scott says he'd veto the bill if it came to the Sunshine State.
"I dont want to tell Gov. Brewer what to do, she can do whats 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 Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, Scott met with Chuck Todd of MSNBCandwas asked if he thought Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer should sign the bill.
"If [Brewer]signed a bill like this that made it as if a lot of businesses would feel as if they might want to do business in Arizona, you would, as governor [of] Florida, would you raid those spring training teams?" asked Todd.
"Well, look, I go after the spring training teams. I'm competing with governors across the country to bring more jobs to Florida," Scott responded. "Then again, Chuck, I haven't seen the bill. I want all of the spring training teams to be back here, first day of spring training today."
Scott's statement continued.
"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, Im 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," he said. "Other states can spend their time fighting over issues like this, but in Florida we are laser focused on creating jobs and opportunities. Its working, and we need to keep it going and will not get distracted by this or anything else."
