Arkansas House passes ‘religious freedom’ bill

The Arkansas House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a religious freedom bill similar to one recently approved in Indiana, over protests from critics who said it would open the door to discrimination against gays and lesbians.

The measure, which had strong support from the Republican members who dominate the statehouse, now goes to Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who has said he will sign it. Retail giant Walmart, which has its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, urged him to veto the bill.

Both laws aim to keep the state government from forcing business owners to act against their religious beliefs, but critics say they could be used to justify refusing service to gay and lesbian people.

Final approval came when the Arkansas House overwhelmingly concurred with three amendments added by the Senate, which approved the bill last week.

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola has asked Hutchinson to veto the bill, saying in a letter on Tuesday that the legislation is unnecessary and could hurt the state's economy. Little Rock, the largest city in Arkansas, is the state capital.

“Any piece of legislation that is so divisive cannot possibly be good for the state of Arkansas and its people. With these kind of wedge issues, no one is a winner on either side,” he said.

Supporters have said the law does not allow for discrimination and is needed to protect religious freedoms.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce said it is “bad for business and bad for Arkansas.”

“Our history will tell us that when religion is used as a sword, it is often used to attack people of color and women,” said Democratic floor leader Rep. Eddie Armstrong.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement Tuesday the bill was without a “compelling” interest and threatens the state’s spirit of inclusion and the company's values. Walmart previously criticized the measure, saying it sent the wrong message about its home state.

The bill and a similar measure recently enacted in Indiana are facing a growing backlash from businesses and LGBT rights advocates.

The outcry over the Indiana law was so fierce that the state's governor, Republican Mike Pence, on Tuesday said he would “correct” the legislation to make it clear businesses cannot use it to discriminate against same-sex couples.

The Arkansas legislature previously enacted a bill prohibiting local governments from adopting anti-discrimination codes that protect gays and lesbians.

Wire services