LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Senate has passed a bill aimed at preventing the government from infringing upon someone’s religious beliefs, a measure that critics say would be a blank check for businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians.
The bill approved by the Senate on a 24-7 vote Friday prohibits state and local government action that would substantially burden someone’s religious beliefs unless a “compelling” interest is proven. The measure heads for a final vote in the House, which approved an initial version of the bill.
More: Indiana officials look to stem the fallout from its religious objections law.
Supporters of the bill say it merely mirrors a similar federal protection in place for more than 20 years, but opponents say it amounts to state-sanctioned discrimination on religious grounds.
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said he’ll sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Earlier today, Apple CEO Tim Cook called on Hutchinson to veto the bill.
Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana’s new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015
(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, broadcast or distributed.)
Sign up for Daily E-news
