AR Governor Sends ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Back to Legislature for Changes

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson called for changes to be made to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act legislation passed by his legislature yesterday, asking that it be brought more in line with the federal version signed by Bill Clinton in 1993.

“We want to be known as a state that does not discriminate, but understands tolerance,” Hutchinson said, explaining that he would send the bill back to the legislature for amendments.

The bill is similar to the one signed by Indiana Governor Mike Pence (R), who was surprised by the wave of criticism and boycott threats in response. That bill expanded the federal law in two crucial ways– including allowing businesses to claim a religious exemption in suits with private individuals, as opposed to the government — which critics say amount to an effective license for businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians.

As of yesterday, Hutchinson had said he expected to sign the bill. That was before Walmart CEO Doug McMillon called upon him to veto the legislature, and before, according to Hutchinson, his own son signed a petition urging him to veto the legislation.

Watch below, via CNN:

[Image via screengrab]

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