A gay and lesbian group takes a conference away from Phoenix

From the PBJ:

The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute has chosen Las Vegas instead of Phoenix for its 2011 international conference citing Arizona’s new immigration law.

The gathering brings together gay and lesbian leaders from across the country for training and education.

Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot and state Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-15, were leading the charge to attract the group to Phoenix as part of a Phoenix Host Committee.

“Although we are disappointed by their decision to go elsewhere, the reality is that many elected officials can’t or won’t travel to Arizona in their official or unofficial capacities until the federal government, legislature, courts or the people sort out the immigration dilemma,” Simplot said in a statement.

A letter from the GLLI to the committee said that “the current political and legal climate in Arizona makes it complicated to accept your hospitality.”