Arkansas Religious-Principles Bill Passes in Senate
A bill dubbed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act breezed through the Arkansas Senate on Friday over the objections of opponents who warned that it would lead to discrimination against gays and hurt efforts to attract high-tech industry to Arkansas.
In a 24-7 vote after a nine-minute debate, the Senate approved House Bill 1228 by Rep. Bob Ballinger, R-Hindsville. It now goes to the House so representatives can sign off on the amended version.
Two senators who supported the bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, enabling it to pass 5-3, switched their votes once it reached the full Senate.