Arkansas's state legislature has passed a bill that would nullify all local anti-discrimination ordinances covering attributes not covered by state law.
Unless it is vetoed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson within the next 24 hours, it will become law, and the following ordinances would be nullified:
From
Gay Star News:
The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Arkansas, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Lambda Legal, and National Center for Lesbian Rights issued the statement yesterday (21 February).
Senate Bill 202 passed the Arkansas state House on 13 February. Governor Asa Hutchinson has until tomorrow, February 23, to veto or sign the measure. If he does nothing, the legislation becomes law.
'...This bill will preempt local nondiscrimination laws and policies that offer protections on any basis not yet included in state law,' the organizations said in a release. 'The purpose of the law is to prevent any legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and everyone knows this.'
The groups added 'if Governor Hutchinson allows this bill to take effect, it will amount to a giant, flashing “Gays Stay Away” sign. It will block sincere local efforts to show that Arkansas communities are welcoming places beckoning talent, innovation and workforce diversity.'
The organizations also point to the proposal's official name, insisting it's disingenuous.
'SB 202 is misleadingly called the “Intrastate 30 Commerce Improvement Act,"' the statement reads. 'But make no mistake – this bill is not about alleviating drags on commerce within Arkansas, and no one truly thinks it is.'
There doesn't seem to be any petition being circulated. It's too late to start one now, but not too late to send this message to Gov. Hutchinson:
Veto SB 202.