EUREKA SPRINGS (LOVELY COUNTY CITIZEN) – The Eureka Springs City Council voted on Friday (July 18) to amend its anti-discrimination ordinance passed in February, according to the Lovely County Citizen.
In February, the council passed a policy that bans discrimination against others based on sexual orientation when it comes to issues like employment, business, public accommodations and housing, according to Eureka Springs Mayor Robert Berry.
On Friday, the city council amended the ordinance by adding a clause so intoxicated minors can’t claim discrimination, according to the Lovely County Citizen.
The council also added language protecting members of the LGBT community and minorities from financial discrimination.
A new amendment also clarified the law to include protections for both residents and tourists. Finally, changes to the ordinance also include a new severability clause as an added protection in case the city receives a Constitutional challenge, according to the Lovely County Citizen.
These changes come just days before the Interstate Commerce Improvement Act, which prohibits cities from passing non-discrimination ordinances different from the federal law, goes into effect.
The Interstate Commerce Improvement Act was filed by Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs and became law in February. It goes into effect next week, according to the Lovely County Citizen.
To read the full story on the Lovely County Citizen’s website, click here.
