After a religious freedom bill passed the Arkansas House of Representatives, Wal-mart urged Arkansas Governor Ada Hutchinson to veto it.
The bill is similar to the "controversial" bill in Indiana.
Hutchinson has said he will approve the bill if it comes across his desk. The bill protects religious freedom by preventing state and local government from forcing people to act against their religious beliefs unless there is a "compelling" reason to do so.
Wal-mart says the bill will lead to discrimination against gays and lesbians.
Writes AP, "Wal-Mart Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon said in a statement Tuesday the bill prohibiting state and local government from infringing on someone's religious beliefs without a "compelling" interest threatens the state's spirt of inclusion and the Bentonville-based company's values."
It's not just Wal-Mart that takes issue with the bill. "Local leaders and businesses including Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, and Acxiom Corporation have released statements urging Gov. Hutchinson to veto the bill."
Religious freedom hit the national radar after a campaign was launched against religious freedom, claiming these bills would permit religious discrimination.
