LITTLE ROCK, AR — Hundreds of LGBT members and civil rights activists set up across the state this weekend voicing their opposition on the Conscience Protection bill.
The South On Main restaurant in Little Rock was overflowing with protesters demanding Governor Asa Hutchinson veto the bill.
“It is blasphemy. It is an abomination and a front to the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said one Rallier.
Lawmakers say the bill prevents the government from intruding on religious practices.
Hutchinson explained this after another opposition rally Saturday.
“It tries to maintain the balance of religious freedoms versus equal protection of the laws. It’s a balance to achieve. This bill tries to do that and it’s not that complicated,” he said.
“Since when religious practices have not been protected like they should be,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Barbara Mariani.
LGBT protesters say the bill allows for dangerous interpretations and feel they will not be welcomed into Arkansas businesses.
“They will come out and spew their vile hate and pain and they will justify it all under Freedom of Religion pursuant to 1228,” said Mariani.
Hutchinson already announced he will sign the bill into law.
But ralliers are working to persuade him otherwise, by flooding the gates of the Governor’s Mansion.
Forty percent of U.S. States have something similar to this bill, as does the federal government.
Protesters say they do not want Arkansas to join those states.
“This is a huge step backwards,” said one protester.
The South On Main restaurant in Little Rock was overflowing with protesters demanding Governor Asa Hutchinson veto the bill.
“It is blasphemy. It is an abomination and a front to the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said one Rallier.
Lawmakers say the bill prevents the government from intruding on religious practices.
Hutchinson explained this after another opposition rally Saturday.
“It tries to maintain the balance of religious freedoms versus equal protection of the laws. It’s a balance to achieve. This bill tries to do that and it’s not that complicated,” he said.
“Since when religious practices have not been protected like they should be,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Barbara Mariani.
LGBT protesters say the bill allows for dangerous interpretations and feel they will not be welcomed into Arkansas businesses.
“They will come out and spew their vile hate and pain and they will justify it all under Freedom of Religion pursuant to 1228,” said Mariani.
Hutchinson already announced he will sign the bill into law.
But ralliers are working to persuade him otherwise, by flooding the gates of the Governor’s Mansion.
Forty percent of U.S. States have something similar to this bill, as does the federal government.
Protesters say they do not want Arkansas to join those states.
“This is a huge step backwards,” said one protester.
