Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer expected to veto 'religious freedom' bill

By Dana Bash, CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent

updated 3:00 PM EST, Tue February 25, 2014

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- All signs indicate Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer will likely veto politically-charged legislation that supporters say promotes religious freedom and opponents contend discriminates against gays and lesbians.

Brewer did not signal her intention either way in an exclusive interview with CNN on Monday at the National Governors Association meeting in Washington.

"I can assure you, as always, I will do the right thing for the state of Arizona," she said.

But some Arizona Republicans who know her well say they are confident those comments mean Brewer will almost surely reject the bill that is generating nationwide controversy.

The Republican-led measure would allow Arizona business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers as long as they assert their religious beliefs.

Brewer is scheduled to return to Arizona on Tuesday, and a source tells CNN those familiar with her thinking say she will likely spend at least one full business day in the state before acting.

"I'm going to go home, and when I receive the bill, I'm going to read it and I'm going to be briefed on it. We have been following it. And I will make my decision in the near future," Brewer told CNN.

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Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer expected to veto 'religious freedom' bill

Canada's Religious freedom ambassador confronted by Charter of Values

Alexander Panetta, The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, February 25, 2014 1:37PM EST Last Updated Tuesday, February 25, 2014 4:26PM EST

WASHINGTON -- Canada's ambassador for religious freedom, Andrew Bennett, says an attempt to discuss human rights in Turkey prompted that government to throw Quebec's controversial values charter back at him.

Bennett stressed that Turkey has made notable strides towards religious freedom in recent years. For example hijab-wearers are now allowed into public buildings.

However, Christian, Jewish and Alevi minorities continue to have concerns, including the expropriation of religious property.

He said he raised those concerns during a visit last fall and the reply came: Well, what about Quebec?

But Bennett said that's the only time a foreign official has raised the charter with him since he took up the post created by the Harper government a year ago.

Because his mandate does not involve domestic issues, Bennett said he can't offer a personal opinion of the Quebec legislation that would bar people who wear hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes and large crucifixes from working in the public sector.

But he does reject any attempt to compare the persecution of minorities abroad with what's happening in Quebec.

"People in countries overseas where religious freedom is being violated are being imprisoned, tortured, killed because of their faith," Bennett said in an interview during a trip to Washington.

"In Canada, we have the courts. We have the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ... We can advance religious freedom overseas because we enjoy it in Canada. So that's the approach that I take."

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Canada's Religious freedom ambassador confronted by Charter of Values

Shark of the Sands – Let’s Play Monster Hunter Freedom Unite [Gameplay/Commentary] – Ep.56 – Video


Shark of the Sands - Let #39;s Play Monster Hunter Freedom Unite [Gameplay/Commentary] - Ep.56
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Shark of the Sands - Let's Play Monster Hunter Freedom Unite [Gameplay/Commentary] - Ep.56 - Video

hong_kong_press_freedom_protest_afp_230214.jpg

February 23, 2014

Thousands took to Hong Kong streets today to march for press freedom, in a protest organised by journalists as fears grow that free expression is being compromised. AFP pic.Protesters took to Hong Kong streets today to march for press freedom, in a demonstration organised by journalists as fears grow that free expression is being compromised.

Organisers estimated 6,000 participated in the march though police said the figure was 1,600 many wore blue ribbons as a symbol advocating free expression in the media.

There have been mounting concerns that China seeks to tighten control over the semi-autonomous region and rein in the press.

"Headlines have been edited, interviews were barred, and columnists were fired. Some see these as commercial decisions or even labour disputes.

But we have to see this from the context of tightening control on media in Hong Kong," Shirley Yam, vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, said at the rally.

Protesters chanted slogans such as "Free the people. Free Hong Kong. No censorship", as they marched through the streets before arriving at the district of Admiralty where the city's government headquarters are situated.

This month, two international organisations expressed concerns over the status of press freedom in Hong Kong.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said media freedom in Hong Kong was currently "at a low point", citing self-censorship among reporters, financial and physical threats against the media and legislative steps that could hinder investigative reporting.

Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said Hong Kong's media independence "is now in jeopardy" as China flexes its muscles to stifle critical coverage.

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hong_kong_press_freedom_protest_afp_230214.jpg

Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag Freedom Cry Gameplay Walkthrough Part 6 Let’s Play [Xbox One PS4 PC] – Video


Assassin #39;s Creed 4 Black Flag Freedom Cry Gameplay Walkthrough Part 6 Let #39;s Play [Xbox One PS4 PC]
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag Freedom Cry Gameplay Walkthrough Part 6 Let's Play [Xbox One PS4 PC] - Video