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Phoenix – Several lawmakers in Mesa, Gilbert and Pinal counties this week lashed out at Tucson Democrats in a vote in the state legislature this week, with Democrats moving and hiding Bibles in lounges used by the legislature. He said it was a “playful” act to do. lawmakers.

Mesa’s Rep. Justin Heap and Barbara Parker, and Casa Grande’s Rep. Teresa Martinez, are among the many Republicans who reprimanded Tucson Democrat Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, who had previously apologized for her actions. I was alone.

Gilbert also said ahead of Tuesday’s vote that accusations alone were not enough.

The censure vote, passed 30-28, came after an unsuccessful attempt by Rep. Travis Grantham (R-Gilbert) to impose a harsher penalty of expulsion from the Arizona legislature.

Grantham’s proposal received 27 votes, but fell far short of the two-thirds required for such a move, as four Republican lawmakers said they disagreed.

“Everyone in this room, every family member I know, everyone has made the wrong decision at one time or another,” said Rep. David Cook of R Globe.

“I think this goes too far as a practical joke. Her apology was nice to me,” he said.

But Heep, one of three MPs who filed a complaint against Stahl Hamilton, said tougher measures were appropriate.

He said this was more than Stahl Hamilton, who repeatedly hid the Bible in March and April and said he was advocating for the separation of church and state.

“They took Bibles away and shoved them under the[chair]cushions on which members and guests sat, forcing other people to sit on top of their scriptures,” Heep said. Such conduct is extremely offensive and means something.” The House needs to take it seriously. ”

and dismissed the notion that Stahl Hamilton was sending a message to Congress on the adequacy of the Bible.

Instead, Heep said, “the message I’ve sent to Christian congressmen and millions of Arizonans who are believers is that their beliefs and values ​​are no longer welcome in government.” .

Martinez, the House Majority Party, said Stahl Hamilton’s allegations that he hid the Bible as part of a peaceful protest against what he viewed as a violation of the separation of powers were untrue.

Casa Grande, a Republican, said, “Protests should be public, people-to-people, face-to-face.”

Martinez also criticized the sincerity of what Stahl Hamilton offered as an apology following the release of a videotape from a hidden camera in the lounge that showed him hiding a book. I had my doubts.

“It’s one thing to regret what you did and one thing to regret being caught,” she said.

Parker said Stahl Hamilton’s remarks, seen by some as a protest against the inappropriate conflation of church and state, had another flaw.

“It was never in the constitution and should never be said in government,” she said.

“We have a right to talk about religion in public squares,” Parker added.

“And we have a right to talk about this in legislation and in making legislation. It’s all about us,” she said.

Several Democrats joined Stahl Hamilton’s defense on Tuesday.

Nancy Gutierrez, from Tucson, said, “All I ever saw in the House lounge was the Bible,” and no other scriptures. “So righteous indignation is misplaced.” .

Cameron Rep. May Peshracai said it was easier than that for her.

“I believe in forgiveness,” she said.