The Arkansas legislature just voted to legalize discrimination. Now only Governor Asa Hutchinson can stop the so-called religious freedom legislation from becoming the law of the land in the Ozarks.
In recent days, increasing numbers of major employers — including the world's largest retailer Walmart, which is headquartered in the state — have joined civil rights advocates across the country to urge Arkansas lawmakers to abandon the legislation. Despite these concerns and the firestorm of criticism following Indiana's adoption of similar legislation, Arkansas legislators passed the bill, providing bigots with a powerful new tool with which to discriminate.
Under the legislation, religion could be used to excuse almost any form of discrimination. Doctors could refuse to treat gay men. Police could ignore cases of domestic violence against women based on their personal interpretation of biblical verses. And faith-based neo-nazis could even deny Black Americans a place at the lunch counter.
Don't let Arkansas legalize discrimination. Call on Governor Hutchinson to veto Arkansas' so-called religious freedom legislation.
Governor Hutchinson:
As someone who cares about civil rights and equality, I strongly urge you to veto the so-called religious freedom legislation passed by state lawmakers on March 31.
[Your comments here]
This bill stands in clear contradiction to the American value that all people are created equal. By legalizing discrimination based on a person's individual religious beliefs, the bill would open the door to widespread marginalization and civil rights violations.
But this isn't just a question of values. It is also a question of economics.
Fostering intolerance denies Arkansas important revenue from tourism and makes employers less likely to locate -- and create jobs -- within your state. Your state's largest employer, Walmart, has already voiced its opposition to this bill, and many more companies are sure to follow.
Don't make Arkansas a haven for bigotry. I urge you to veto this ill-conceived legislation the moment it reaches your desk.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Update #19 years ago
Victory is close - you're making a huge difference for equality! Arkansas lawmakers passed their so-called "religious freedom" hate bill only yesterday, but after Care2 members sent more than 31,000 petition signatures to the governor overnight, he asked lawmakers to "recall" the bill and make it more like the federal version. The outcome remains uncertain, but together, we'll keep fighting for equality!
