Arkansas gives final approval to religious freedom bill

Arkansas lawmakers have given final approval to a religious freedom bill that has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who say it opens the door to state-sanctioned discrimination against gays and lesbians.

The House voted Tuesday to approve the measure, which prohibits the state and local governments from infringing on a person’s religious beliefs without a “compelling” interest. The measure now heads to Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who has said he will sign it into law.

If enacted, the move will make Arkansas the second state to enact such a law this year. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a similar bill last week, and 19 other states have comparable measures on the books.

Supporters argue the law protects religious freedom and is not designed to discriminate against any group. But opponents contend the class of laws allow businesses to deny service to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people.

As the Arkansas bill worked its way through the Legislature, it sparked demonstrations and complaints from businesses owners who said it could hurt the economy. Wal-Mart, the retail giant with Arkansas headquarters, and technology companies like Apple have opposed the Arkansas measure.

Mark Stodola, the Democratic mayor of Little Rock, the state’s biggest city, announced this week he was opposing the law.

“Any piece of legislation that is so divisive cannot possibly be good for the state of Arkansas and its people. With these kind of ‘wedge issues,’ no one is a winner on either side,” Stodola wrote.

Hundreds of protesters filled the Arkansas Capitol urging Hutchinson to veto the bill.

Los Angeles Times and Assocaited Press contributed.