Arizona Democrat representative caught hiding Bibles apologizes for actions

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — The state consultant caught swiping and hiding Bibles within the Home’s members-only lounge apologized Wednesday for her actions. “I acknowledge that my actions may have been seen as one thing lower than playful and offensive, and for these of you I’ve offended, I deeply apologize. That was by no means the intent,” mentioned Democratic Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton.

Stahl Hamilton addressed the Home ground about her actions that had been delivered to gentle this week. “Members, I stand right here in the present day desirous to acknowledge the offense committee by my actions of hiding Bibles within the members’ lounge,” she defined.

After Bibles went lacking throughout the state rep lounge, a digital camera was set as much as catch the perpetrator. That’s when rep Stahl Hamilton, who can be a Presbyterian minister, was caught red-handed. She was seen swiping and hiding the books in odd locations like a fridge and below a seat cushion. “The intent was by no means to be damaging, to by no means desecrate or to offend,” she mentioned.

The state rep initially dodged answering Arizona’s Household questions a number of instances Tuesday. Ultimately, she advised Arizona’s Household the transfer was playful commentary on the separation of church and state and that she doesn’t have a problem with the Bible. “I acknowledge {that a} dialog in regards to the separation of church and state ought to have begun with a dialog. And for that, I apologize,” mentioned Stahl Hamilton.

She ended her apology by saying she respects folks of all faiths and people who select to not have one. “I maintain scripture very pricey to my coronary heart; it’s what guides me. It’s what shapes and informs the selections that I make,” she mentioned.

As of Wednesday, no complaints have been filed in opposition to the state rep. The room the place this incident occurred is reserved for under representatives and their employees. All friends have to be escorted whereas in there.

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