Arkansas Bill Would Legalize Anti-LGBTQ Discrimination

A bill allowing for discrimination against LGBTQ people in Arkansas in regard to housing, employment, education, and other areas of public accommodation has been approved by a state House committee and is now headed to the full House of Representatives. House Bill 1615 would “prohibit the government from discriminating against certain individuals and organizations because of their beliefs regarding marriage or what it means to be female or male.” The legislation would also ensure that individuals and organizations cannot be compelled “to engage in conduct that conflicts with their beliefs or be punished or discriminated against for declining to engage in conduct that conflicts with their beliefs.” The bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Robin Lundstrum (R-Springdale), is a longtime opponent of LGBTQ rights. She says the legislation would protect a wedding venue, cake maker, florist, or anyone “asked to solemnize a marriage that they do not agree with.” Additionally, the bill would prevent state government employees from being reprimanded for engaging “in expressive conduct based upon or in a manner consistent with a belief about biological sex or marriage,” either at work or off the clock. This would effectively protect anti-LGBTQ social media posts. Holly Dickson, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas, told the Arkansas Times the bill is just the latest in a series of efforts from right-wing policy groups to “vilify people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.” “They’re trying to elevate so-called ‘religious liberty’ above all other civil rights and claim that someone’s religious belief allows them to dominate the laws, the policies, the practices of the government and the rest of society,” Dickson said.