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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Inga Sarda-Sorensen, Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
isorensen@theTaskForce.org

Task Force Calls Arizona's Immigration Law 'Draconian and Inhumane'

WASHINGTON

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a longtime advocate for comprehensive and humane immigration reform, calls Arizona's new immigration law "draconian and inhumane." Under the measure, signed into law late Friday, police officers can question people about their immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion" they may be in the country undocumented.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"Arizona's new immigration law is draconian and inhumane. It has no place on the books anywhere. The potential for racial profiling, infringement of civil liberties, and violence and harassment against individuals and their families just going about their daily lives is enormous. Comprehensive immigration reform is critically needed, but targeting and demonizing people is not the answer; stripping people of fundamental rights and common humanity is not the answer. Our political leaders must work toward reform that is fair and humane. This law is neither. It is a cruel, quick fix that demeans our country's values of freedom, justice and equality."

The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!