SE Arizona News

On May 1, several Arizona House representatives, including Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-Mesa), filed a formal ethics complaint against a fellow representative for her actions toward religious texts in the building, according to a Twitter post.

“This letter constitutes a formal ethics complaint against Arizona House Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton for at least one, but potentially several, infractions that may have violated state criminal law and brought disrepute to the Arizona House of Representatives,” the complaint stated, which was filed by Diaz and Reps. David Marshal and Justin Heap with Judge Joseph Chaplik of the House’s Ethics Committee.

The complaint alleged that Stahl Hamilton (D-Tucson) had removed and hidden the two copies of the Bible that reside in the Members Lounge where they “serve as an abiding reminder to your elected representatives that there is an authority higher than themselves, and that authority demands that they act with humility, compassion and personal integrity in all that they do.”

The complaint details the three times that the Bibles, which had sat in the Members Lounge for over a decade, had gone missing, according to a news release. They showed up first underneath seat cushions of commonly used chairs, second in a shared space refrigerator and third underneath a sofa. After the second instance, the building installed a camera in the lounge and upon the third incident, discovered it was Hamilton who had been moving the books of scripture.

Stahl Hamilton apologized for any hurt she had caused through her actions, saying that it had been a prank she thought of pulling to illustrate the blurred line between church and state she saw so often in their government, NewsMax reported. Stahl Hamilton, an ordained minister with Christian education and background in ministry, said the intent was never to be destructive or desecrating, and was a quiet, peaceful protest against the lack of religious and legal obligations she sees.

It is uncertain whether or not she will face any criminal or disciplinary action for the stunt, but many are angry with her actions and reasons. Fellow Democrats are also upset that a camera was placed in the lounge, a restricted area used by representatives and high-ranking staff between sessions, although the camera has since been removed.

The complaint filed by Marshall and others reads: “We formally request that the House Ethics Committee investigate fully the actions of Rep. Stahl Hamilton for unethical conduct and behavior undignified of a Member of the Arizona House of Representatives. May the same Almighty God, recognized by Arizona’s Founders continue to protect our liberty.”