Arkansas Governor Will Let Anti-LGBT ‘License To Discriminate’ Bill Become Law
Arkansas Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson will allow a bill prohibiting towns from enacting non-discrimination ordinances to become law.
This week both the Arkansas Senate and House passed a sweeping “emergency” bill that removes the right of local cities and towns from enacting non-discrimination ordinances, and makes any that expand current state protections illegal. The legislation was pushed by an anti-LGBT activist who spoke at a Family Research Council anti-gay marriage rally, Sen. Bart Hester.
Hester, who said he was “infuriated” that cities and towns were enacting non-discrimination laws, this week infamously explained his reasons for the legislation.
LOOK:Â ‘Singled Out’ GOP Lawmaker To End All LGBT Protections ‘Because I Am Married To One Woman’
Claiming that “civil rights need to not be a volatile situation,” Hester said that everyone is already discriminated against, in one way or another. “I am singled out as a politician. I am singled out because I am married to one woman,†he told Buzzfeed. “I want everyone in the LGBT community to have the same rights I do. I do not want them to have special rights that I do not have.â€
Now, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (photo) has announced that while he is not comfortable with removing local control, he will allow the bill to become law, without his signature. In Arkansas, a governor has five days to sign or veto a bill that comes to his desk, or it passes into law.
“Senate Bill 202 passed with significant margins in the General Assembly, and I have a high regard for the discussion in the Legislature and respect for the legislative process,†Hutchinson said in a statement, Arkansas News reports. “As governor, I recognize the desire to prevent burdensome regulations on businesses across the state. However, I am concerned about the loss of local control. For that reason, I am allowing the bill to become law without my signature.â€Â
Â
Image via Facebook

Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |