No Dogs or Lawmakers Allowed!: Ariz. Pizzeria Protests Anti-Gay Bill

The Arizona Legislature approved a bill Thursday that allows businesses to deny service to the LGBT community if they cite their religious beliefs. Despite the major setback, one local pizzeria is standing up against the measure and the lawmakers who passed it.

According to the Huffington Post, Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria, located in Tucson, Ariz., posted a photo of a sign displayed at the restaurant to Facebook criticizing the passage of Senate Bill 1062.

The sign reads: "We reserve the right to refuse service to Arizona legislators."

The photo's caption reads: "Funny how just being decent is starting to seem radical these says [sic]."

As of this writing, the post has over 9,000 likes, 4,000 shares and 500 comments.

"I'm impressed you took a stand. And I thank you," one Facebook user wrote.

"Thank you for your support guys. I will indeed come by and show my thanks one day if I ever visit your city. Much appreciated," another commented.

HuffPost notes Rocco's made a Facebook post Friday:

"Hey, just want to say that all we want to do is cook you some dinner. Not trying to be anything but your neighborhood pizzeria. Thanks for the support!"

Both Arizona house and state legislatures passed the anti-gay bill, allowing Arizona business owners to turn away service to LGBT people based on religious freedom. Some Republicans have lauded the measure to prevent discrimination from religious folk, but the bill's success is with Arizona Democrats.

"The heart of this bill would allow for discrimination versus gays and lesbians," Sen. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix said. "You can't argue the fact that bill will invite discrimination. That's the point of this bill. It is."

Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, warned that the bill will have a negative economic impact.

"I think this bill makes a statement ... that we don't welcome people here," Farley said. "This bill gets in the way, this bill sends the wrong message around the country and around the world."

The controversial bill has reached the desk of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican. Brewer will have to either sign SB 1062 or veto it, but she has not voiced her opinion on the measure.