LITTLE ROCK — A northwest Arkansas city is getting a second shot at banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as voters weigh whether to challenge a new state law aimed at banning such local protections.
Months after voters repealed an earlier anti-discrimination ordinance, Fayetteville is holding a special election Tuesday on a revised version of the measure that prompted the state law that critics have called anti-gay. If voters approve the measure, it'll make Fayetteville the fifth municipality to test the law aimed at preventing local-level protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Fayetteville voters repealed an earlier anti-discrimination ordinance in December. The revised proposal is aimed at addressing critics' concerns and includes wider exemptions for churches and religious groups.