FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Voters in Fayetteville, Ark. Tuesday passed a measure to repeal Ordinance 119, an anti-discrimination city policy, reports Ozarksfirst.com.
The now-repealed Civil Rights Administration ordinance was to protect against specific types of discrimination because of sexual orientation, gender identity and several other criteria. It would have also created a municipal civil rights administrator position to investigate discrimination complaints.
According to the report, ‘Repeal 119’ took issue with the wording of Ordinance 119 saying it created an “environment where sexual predators can use the cover of an anti-discrimination law to enter previously gender-private areas causing a major public safety risk.” They also said portions of the policy language could “put businesses in danger of being criminally charged for the complaints of a disgruntled employe
Following last nights result, HRC Arkansas State Director Kendra R. Johnson released the following statement:
“Tonight’s vote is a deeply disappointing reminder that equality doesn’t always move forward in a straight line. Make no mistake about it, tonight’s election results—and the repeal of this ordinance—will inflict direct harm on LGBT Arkansans, their families and their friends. But we remain convinced that the progress of fairness will continue despite this result. All Arkansans should have the legal right to live safely within their communities, homes and workplaces, and the day will come soon when LGBT young people will wake up in this state and enjoy true equality under the law. We’ll keep up the fight until that dream is achieved.”e.”
