Key legal test approaches for Arkansas LGBT measure

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     (AP) – Fayetteville has a gay pride parade that organizers

tout as the largest in Arkansas and a reputation as a liberal haven in a

conservative state. So the college town’s voters took what seemed like a logical

step in 2015 when they guaranteed civil rights to the LGBT community.

     But Arkansas is one of three GOP-controlled states that had explicitly banned

cities and counties from taking such steps, and state officials are challenging

the local action. The Arkansas Supreme Court next week will hear arguments on

whether the city’s ordinance violates that ban.

     A handful of Arkansas cities have similar ordinances on the books. The case

could be an important test for cities in other conservative states that are

trying to counter bathroom laws and other efforts criticized as discriminatory.




   

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