As promised, Republican Arkansas
Governor Asa Hutchinson has allowed a bill that outlaws
municipalities from adopting ordinances prohibiting discrimination
based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing,
employment and public accommodations to become law without his
signature.
The bill (SB202) cleared both the House
and Senate earlier this month. It will take effect 90 days after
lawmakers adjourn in May.
“I recognize the desire to prevent
burdensome regulations on businesses across the state,” Hutchinson
explained to BuzzFeed News. “However, I am concerned about the
loss of local control For that reason, I am allowing the bill to
become law without my signature.”
In calling for a “no” vote, state
Rep. Clarke Tucker, a Democrat, described the bill as a “proactive
act of discrimination.”
The bill was a response to approval of
such an ordinance by Fayetteville city leaders. Voters there
rejected the measure in December.
(Related: Fayetteville
voters repeal LGBT protections ordinance.)