Bearded protesters lash out against discriminatory bill, claim to be ‘born this way’

Caption
The owners of facial hair such as this could be subject to discrimination under Senate Bill 1042, which was passed by state Legislature on Friday and is awaiting a decision from Gov. Jan Brewer. (Fu Manchu/PD)

Protesters marched Monday on the Capitol to urge Gov. Jan Brewer to veto Senate Bill 1042, which some believe could be used to discriminate against people with beards.

“If you take away our rights, we will take away our razors,” one protester with a beard reaching his nether regions called through a megaphone.

The bill, passed by state Legislature on Friday, is only one line long, something opposers say will be used for broad interpretations.

Senator Jill Etté, who wrote the bill, said modern society has been “hijacked” by people with beards, or “those lumberjack hipsters.” In order to protect society for “the modern gentleman,” Arizona should only support clean-shaven faces.

“Business owners have the right to refuse service to people with beards if it offends their delicate sensibilities,” reads SB 1042, nicknamed Senate’s Beard by protesters.

Brewer, who returned to Arizona from Washington D.C. on Monday, has been coy with the press and avoided giving any details that would hint at how she will respond to the bill.

The opposition argued that the law could lead to hairy situations. They said men with beards were not being treated as equal citizens. Some said the law would even discriminate against women.

“Some women have beards,” lead protester Chin Muffler said.

Opposition leaders also questioned what qualifies as a beard and whether length would be a factor.

Legislators amended the bill before it passed on Monday to clarify a beard to mean any facial hair longer than a five o’clock shadow.

“If we’re talking about a six o’clock shadow, that’s over the line,” Sen. Nair said.

Protester Jaw Bristle was infuriated by the amendment. He said his beard naturally grows quickly and sometimes he has to shave twice a day.

“I can’t help the way my beard grows,” Bristle said. “I was born this way. What do you expect me to do? Carry a razor in my bag and shave during my lunch break?”

Sen. Etté said opposers were attempting to turn the bill into a straw man with “outlandish claims as dirty as their beards.”

Additional controversy broke Monday night when protesters accused Americans Defending Faces, the bill’s main backer, of receiving funding from razor companies. Although Executive Director Nota Fuzz denied the claims, photos emerged on social media of her handing out razors during an ADF meeting. The American Facial Liberties Union of Arizona has spoken out against the bill.

Local business owner Jennifer Klenly said she supported the bill and hoped other facial hair would also be included.

“I don’t think I can serve someone with a mustache if I believe in goatees,” Klenly said.

Klenly, who owns a coffee shop, said a man with a mustache once entered her store. He bought a cup of coffee, drank it and then left the cup at the table.

“It was a truly frightening experience,” Klenly said. “I was shaking the rest of the day.”

Klenly refused to comment further after she was asked if her shaking was related to high intake of caffeine.

Other downtown residents, however, were upset with the bill. Some took to wearing shirts that said, “I mustache you a question, do you believe in beard rights?” Others grew their beards or wore fake costume beards to stand in solidarity with the opposition.

“Wait, I’m confused, what’s the bill against again?” downtown resident Nicole Green said. “When has there ever been a problem with bearded men?”

1,853 thoughts on “Bearded protesters lash out against discriminatory bill, claim to be ‘born this way’”

  1. Great site. Lots of helpful information here. I¦m sending it to several buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you on your effort!

  2. You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart. “No man should marry until he has studied anatomy and dissected at least one woman.” by Honore’ de Balzac.

  3. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  4. Hey are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  5. I’d have to verify with you here. Which isn’t one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in studying a put up that will make folks think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  6. Nice post. I be taught something tougher on totally different blogs everyday. It can all the time be stimulating to learn content from other writers and observe a bit one thing from their store. I’d want to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a hyperlink in your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

  7. I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  8. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. kudos

  9. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other users like its helped me. Great job.

  10. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

  11. After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.

  12. I like this website very much, Its a rattling nice place to read and find info . “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” by John Andrew Holmes.

  13. Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!

  14. Really great information can be found on weblog. “Society produces rogues, and education makes one rogue more clever than another.” by Oscar Fingall O’Flahertie Wills Wilde.

  15. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  16. Keep up the excellent piece of work, I read few posts on this internet site and I believe that your website is very interesting and has lots of good information.

  17. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless imagine if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this site could certainly be one of the very best in its niche. Wonderful blog!

  18. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with helpful info to paintings on. You’ve performed an impressive job and our entire group might be grateful to you.

  19. Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is great, as well as the content!

  20. I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am satisfied reading your article. However should statement on some general things, The website taste is great, the articles is truly excellent : D. Excellent process, cheers

  21. I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my mission.

  22. I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

  23. I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one today..

  24. I have read a few just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.

    I surprise how a lot attempt you place to create any
    such great informative web site.

  25. Thank you for another informative website. Where else may just I get that type of information written in such a perfect method? I’ve a undertaking that I’m just now running on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.

  26. Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specifically the last part :) I handle such info much. I used to be looking for this particular information for a long time. Thanks and good luck.

  27. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?

  28. An interesting discussion is value comment. I believe that it is best to write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *