Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Allows Bill Outlawing LGBT Protections To Become Law

By Carlos Santoscoy
Published: February 25, 2015

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.