BENTONVILLE (KFSM) – Retail-giant Walmart requested on Tuesday (March 31) that Gov. Asa Hutchinson veto the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
“Every day in our stores, we see firsthand the benefits diversity and inclusion have on our associates, customers and communities we serve,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement. “It all starts with our core basic belief of respect for the individual. Today’s passage of [the Religious Freedom Restoration Act] threatens to undermine the spirit of inclusion present throughout the state of Arkansas and does not reflect the values we proudly uphold.”
The bill, also known as HB 1228, passed the House on Tuesday and now heads to the governor’s desk for a signature.
If passed, HB 1228 would prevent state and local governments from infringing upon someone’s religious beliefs without a “compelling” interest. Opponents of the measure say it will allow widespread discrimination against gays and lesbians.
