A Democratic lawmaker and ordained minister were caught on camera hiding Bibles in a lounge at the state Capitol.
Arizona Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton apologized on Wednesday for hiding Bibles at the Capitol, calling her actions “offensive.”
CAUGHT ON VIDEO: AZ Dem lawmaker/ordained minister busted swiping Bibles from House's members-only lounge. She calls it a ' little playful commentary' for separation of church and state, Republican leadership are not laughing. #azfamily pic.twitter.com/pSPth8jeR7
— David Caltabiano (@DavidCaltabiano) April 25, 2023
“I hold Scripture very dear to my heart,” Hamilton said, following the moment of prayer that begins every House floor session. “It is what guides me. It is what shapes and informs the decisions I make. I have the utmost respect for people of all faiths, and for people for who choose not to have a faith. And because of that respect, I recognize my actions could have been seen something as less than playful — and offensive.”
The Tucson Democrat described her actions as a type of protest regarding the separation of church and state. “The intent was never to be destructive, to never desecrate or to offend,” she said.
“To my brain, it just felt like it’s a game … a peaceful, playful protest,” Hamilton said. “I have long been frustrated by the blurred lines between separation of church and state.”
The missing Bibles were a “mystery” that persisted for weeks until Republican House Speaker Ben Toma heeded the suggestion of Capitol security personnel and ordered a camera installed in the House members’ lounge.
Republican Speaker Pro Tempore Travis Grantham claimed that one of the Bibles was located in the refrigerator and that others were found hidden under seat cushions in the lawmakers’ lounge. The lounge is a private room off the main floor for House members.
“It makes me a little uncomfortable, and I think it’s kind of offensive to people who believe in and cherish the Bible,” Grantham said. “I feel like a disappointed dad.”
Instead of punishing Hamilton for her rebellious actions, Democrats are more concerned about the camera being placed in the lounge. The camera has since been removed after the congresswoman was caught.
“We have members wondering what is public record and what is not,” said House Democratic Leader Rep. Andrés Cano, adding that he wasn’t as concerned about how Hamilton got caught as the fact that Democrats were left out of the loop.
