By Tim Saunders on
Ricky Martin and Shakira are just two of the stars protesting against controversial new anti-immigration laws in Arizona.
The new law – signed on April 23 – allows police to question any individuals they suspect are illegal immigrants, and all legal immigrants are required to carry registration documents at all times.
“The SB 1070 is a law that doesn’t make sense,” Ricky told the audience at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. “You are not alone. We are with you. Stop discrimination. Stop hate. Stop racism. Enough already. Long live love. Long live peace.”
“As a Latina, I’m very concerned how this law can impact working Hispanic families,” he continued on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show. “I think that being detained in the street just because of the color of your skin is just wrong, and it’s a violation of human and civil rights.”
Shakira took a step further by meeting with the Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon over the matter: “I just met with some families and women who have been subjected to domestic violence, and they are so concerned. They’re going to live in fear to call the police or to report a crime that has been inflicted to them. They’re trying to protect their kids and their own families from abusers. and now they’re going to have to protect themselves from the government.”
“Shakira is deeply concerned about the impact of this law on hard-working Latino families,” explained her spokesman Trevor Nielson. “She went to Arizona to try to learn more about how law enforcement is reacting to this and how we can ensure that people in the state of Arizona are not being picked on because of the color of their skin.”
Other stars to protest over the law include Eva Longoria, George Lopez and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane.
Copyright © 2010 Look to the Stars
