Arkansas joins Indiana with ‘religious freedom’ bill, critics call for ‘inclusion’
Arkansas lawmakers approved a religious-freedom bill similar to the one recently passed in Indiana. The move Tuesday sparked critics claiming increased discrimination towards homosexuals as protests and backlash began.
This bill also mirrors the Religious Freedom Restoration Act signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, which prohibits the state and local governments from infringing on a person’s religious beliefs without a “compelling” interest. In other words, these actions (Indiana, Arkansas) prevent lawsuits and forced participation of bakers, florists, shirt makers etc… of “participating” in the activities if they view it to be against their religion.
The measure now goes to Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who has said he will sign it into law.
photo Julyo based on work by Gilbert Baker, 1979 via wikimedia commons
Doug McMillon, the CEO of Arkansas-based WalMart, issued a statement Tuesday pressing Hutchinson to “veto this legislation,” and adding that the law would “undermine the spirit of inclusion” in the state.
“[It] does not reflect the values we proudly uphold,” McMillon’s statement read.
