The NFL said Tuesday it is closely following an Arizona bill that would allow business owners to cite their religious beliefs in refusing service to gays and lesbians.
Super Bowl XLIX is set to be played Feb. 1, 2015 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
The bill already has passed the Arizona legislature and awaits the signature of Gov. Jan Brewer, who can sign or veto the proposal.
When asked if Super Bowl XLIX could move locations if the bill becomes a law, the NFL issued the following statement to NFL Media's Albert Breer.
"Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other improper standard," the statement read. "We are following the issue in Arizona and will continue to do so should the bill be signed into law, but will decline further comment at this time."
The Super Bowl has been relocated away from Arizona before. Super Bowl XXVII was slated to be contested in Tempe but was moved to Pasadena, Calif., because the state had failed to create a holiday commemorating civil rights activist Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Arizona decided to recognize the holiday in late 1992.
