Arizona SB 1062: Changing Norms and Comparative Governing and Politics

A couple of governmental and sociological teaching points coming out of this week's breaking news where Arizona's Governor Jan Brewer (R) vetoed SB 1062, a controversial bill that would have allowed businesses to deny service to lesbian and gay customers.

First, with a reminder that my Sociology class has its Culture and Society test on Monday, Brewer stated that "long held norms on marriage and family are being challenged,'' For Monday's test, there may be a short answer essay on what leads to cultural and societal change.

Second, our government and politics talking points (hopefully you'll share your thoughts here during your break).

Domestic:
Was Gov. Brewer's decision all about the "Benjamin's" -- be it Constitutional (14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause or about the dollars that it could cost the state, as expressed by national businesses like Marriott in this letter (right) urging the veto?

• Among the First Amendment's five basic liberties is the right to freely exercise your religious beliefs. This makes the United States, a liberal or industrial democracy that has rule of law that protects civil rights and civil liberties. But some have said this decision lessens one of these rights at the expense of another. Your thoughts?
• This Watchdog media exchange shows how we are not a democracy (despite the above) but rather a republic with checks and balances in a federal system with reserved powers to state's like Arizona. Also, how many politicians use the media as a scapegoat.

Comparative:
For Bonus Popp blog points, take any of our CP 6 and look into any same sex legislation it has on the books and summarize in the comment section. (ie: What Would -- UK, Russia, China, Mexico, Iran, Nigeria -- Do?)