Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is sending a controversial “religious freedom” bill back to state lawmakers for changes.
The first-term Republican governor said he will not sign the bill as it sits on his desk now, but will once it is rewritten to mirror federal law.
Hutchinson reiterated Wednesday at a press conference that he wants the Razorback State “to be known as a state that does not discriminate but understands tolerance.”
The decision not to sign the bill until as it is rewritten comes amid controversy in Indiana, where Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed a Religious Freedom Restoration Act last week. Critics say it legally allows businesses to deny services to same-sex couples, while supporters say it protects businesses. In the face of massive condemnation by Democrats and media, Pence has now asked that the Indiana law be clarified by the Hoosier State’s legislature.
While waiting for amended legislation based on the changes he requested, Hutchinson said he is considering signing an executive order that bars discrimination in Arkansas workplaces.
“The issue has become divisive because our nation remains split on how to balance the diversity of our culture with the traditions and firmly held religious convictions,” Hutchinson said. “It has divided families, and there is clearly a generational gap on this issue.”
Interestingly enough, Hutchinson disclosed that his son Seth signed a petition asking him to veto the bill.
Republican North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory said Indiana’s new law “makes no sense.”
According to CNN, religious freedom bills have been introduced in Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
