Arkansas determined to turn back the clock on discrimination

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he would sign into law a religious protection measure that opponents have said would open the door to state-sanctioned discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Hutchinson told reporters Thursday that he supports the latest version of a bill prohibiting state and local government from infringing upon someone's religious beliefs without a "compelling government interest." The Senate could take up the legislation as soon as Thursday afternoon.

Hutchinson said he believes the measure balances concerns about protecting religious beliefs and worries about discrimination.

This is terrible. Has Arkansas not been paying attention to what is happening in Indiana? Why are the law makers of this state determined to open the door to discrimination being protected by law? Government twisting religion to use as a tool for the practice of hate is immoral, unethical, and clearly hypocritical. I am embarrassed to call this state my home.

http://www.katv.com/story/28623593/arkansas-governor-says-hed-sign-religious-protection-bill

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/03/26/human-rights-campaign-hopes-to-fight-arkansas-religious-freedom-bill-by-scaring-away-silicon-valley/