LITTLE ROCK (KTHV) – Arkansas has become the second state in the nation to ban local governments from expanding anti-discrimination protections to include gender identity and sexual orientation.
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Feb. 23 allowed legislation barring cities or counties from prohibiting discrimination on a basis not covered by state law to become law without his signature. It will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
Arkansas’ anti-discrimination protections do not include gender identity or sexual orientation.
Monday marked the end of the five-day window for Hutchinson to veto the bill or allow it to become law. Hutchinson had said he would not sign or veto the bill, citing concerns about it taking away local control.
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