Arizona Senate votes to censure Senator after posting anti-Semitic tweets
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Senate made a majority vote to censure Senator Wendy Rogers (R-AZ) on Tuesday, with the Arizona House leader and Governor making statements soon after.
“Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in Arizona," began Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. "I have categorically condemned it in the past and condemn it now. I strongly believe our public policy debates should be about creating opportunity for all and making our state a better place, not denigrating and insulting any individual or group. I believe the vote taken today by the Arizona Senate sends a clear message: rhetoric like this is unacceptable.
Senator Rogers threatened colleagues and called for political violence, as well as posted anti-Semitic tweets about white nationalism.
"Anti-Semitic extremism has no place in the Arizona Legislature, and the First Amendment does not shield against revulsion and the consequences of hate speech," stated House Democratic Leader Reginald Bolding.
Senator Rogers also praised a known white nationalist organizer at a conference.
"As she increasingly embraces extreme anti-Semitism in her public comments, Wendy Rogers has brought dishonor to the Legislature where she serves, and to the United States military, where she served previously," continued Bolding.
Following the Arizona Senate's vote, the Arizona House called for Senator Roger's resignation.
"We can't be silent. No one should look the other way on extremism. And no one should accept this member's winking, transparently false excuses for her behavior... Wendy Rogers should do the decent thing, for once, and resign," concluded Bolding.
