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Arkansas Gov.: No Need for LGBT Protections

Arkansas Gov.: No Need for LGBT Protections

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Asa Hutchinson thinks the revised 'religious freedom' bill is enough to protect gay and transgender people.

Nbroverman

Republican Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson teased an executive order protecting LGBT state employees from discrimination -- as his state has zero safeguards for gay and trans residents -- but he's now backing off even that modest change, the Associated Press reports.

Hutchinson had said he was considering such an order in response to a recently passed "religious freedom" bill, which is seen by many as an open door to LGBT discrimination. Following a national uproar, the legislation was modified, but it is still potentially damaging to LGBT people, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

With the new bill in place, Hutchinson now sees no need to protect gay and trans state workers -- not to mention other Arkansans, who can be tossed from their apartments and fired from their jobs for being LGBT.

"I don't see any urgent need for it now," Hutchinson said. "Again, I got my request, so we'll see what the future develops but I considered the issue resolved when they gave me my first request of a new bill."

The Arkansas Senate passed legislation in February that bars any jurisdiction from enacting LGBT protections. The Supreme Court struck down a similar law in Colorado -- nearly two decades ago.

Nbroverman
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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.