Dem Arizona Lawmaker Calls ‘Blue Lives Matter’ Bill ‘Disrespectful’ to Black Lives Matter Movement

A Democratic Arizona state representative is calling a bill that bans assaulting police officers at any level “disrespectful” to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Rep. Reginald Bolding (D-Laveen) called the “Blue Lives Matter” bill that passed the state House and Seante “disrespectful” and said the bill is an affront to issues concerning the Black Lives Matter movement, the Associated Press reported.

The bill, which passed the Senate Tuesday, would make crimes of  aggravated assault against off-duty police officers equal to assaulting on-duty officers.

Sen. Steve Smith (R-Maricopa), the bill’s sponsor, named the act the “Blue Lives Matter” law because he said assaulting police officers is not acceptable on any level, regardless of whether or not they were on duty.

Senate Bill 1366 specifically notes that aggravated assault against police officers includes those who are not “on duty or engaged in the execution of any official duties.”

The Senate’s 21-9 vote Tuesday, and House’s 34-25 vote earlier this month, sends the legislation to Gov. Doug Ducey’s desk.