Faith group, 4 Dems exit immigration-bill session
by Elisabeth Arriero - Jun. 24, 2009 12:00 AM

Members of the faith community speaking against an anti-illegal immigration bill Tuesday left after Sen. Russell Pearce called on security to remove them, prompting the Appropriations Committee's four Democrats to walk out of the session.

House Bill 2280, sponsored by Pearce, R-Mesa, would require local and state officials to enforce federal immigration laws, thus making any sanctuary laws illegal.

When Pearce said the committee would not hear any public input, members of the Valley Interfaith Project stood up to voice their opposition, quoting a verse in the Bible that begins, "When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him."
Pearce banged his gavel to silence them, but when security arrived, the clergy members left. They were followed by the four Democrats on the committee, who did not return.

Clergy members said the bill was being rushed through, without time for public comment.

"It should not be assumed that most Arizonans want this thing to slide through without public input," said Connie Anderson, an interfaith board member.

Sen. Rebecca Rios, D-Apache Junction, said Pearce is "just making a mockery of the entire process."

Sen. Paula Aboud, D-Tucson, described Pearce's management of the committee as "out of control."

"I'm tired of hearing his agenda, and his opinions on his agenda, and his opinion of his opinion of his agenda," she said.

Pearce stood by his decision to call security, saying he would "not support anarchy on my committee."

"I would be very disappointed if they supported that kind of anarchy," he said of the departing Democrats.

Pearce allowed one person to speak on the bill.

"Micromanagement is not good," said immigration attorney Mark Egan, speaking against the bill. "This bill would increase the encroachment of Big Brother type government."

The bill passed 7-0, with the four Democrats absent.

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