Salt Lake City government decides not to participate in boycott of Arizona businesses

Salt Lake City government won’t boycott Arizona

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Council has decided not to boycott Arizona businesses over the state’s toughest-in-the-nation immigration law.

Salt Lake City does about $21 million in business with Arizona firms each year and was urged to join a growing boycott of the state by the Los Angeles City Council.

Salt Lake City Council members say they’re worried a boycott could have unintended consequences.

Arizona’s new immigration law generally requires officers enforcing another law — like speeding or jaywalking — to question a person’s immigration status if there’s a reasonable suspicion that the person is in the country illegally.

Critics say it could lead to discrimination against Hispanics.

At least two dozen cities or other government agencies across the nation have passed resolutions to boycott the state or curtail economic activity.

Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, www.sltrib.com