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Gov. Rick Scott Comes Out Against Arizona Rights Bill

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – Joining other politicians of the Republican party, Governor Rick Scott said Wednesday that he is opposed to the Arizona bill that would add protections for people who assert their religious beliefs in refusing service to gays.

Scott, during a national television appearance Wednesday, was asked about the legislation. He, over and over, said he not seen the legislation now sitting on the desk of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.

Scott's answers quickly drew criticism from Democrats and challenger Charlie Crist. Crist said Scott's refusal to answer questions about the bill were "stunning."

Several hours later, Scott put out a lengthy statement saying that if a similar bill were passed in Florida he would veto it.

He called the bill "unnecessary" and said that in "Florida we are focused on economic growth, and not on things that divide us."

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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