Eureka Springs votes to uphold anti-discrimination ordinance

Eureka Springs, Ark. (AP) — Voters in a northwest Arkansas town have upheld an expanded anti-discrimination ordinance passed by the City Council in February.

Preliminary results show the Eureka Springs ordinance was ratified by a 579-231 vote in Tuesday's special election, according to local media reports.

The City Council initially passed the ordinance, which prohibits the city and businesses from discriminating against someone on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, on Feb. 9.

Upholding the ordinance could lead to a broader legal fight due to a state law that aims to prevent Arkansas cities and counties from expanding discrimination policies. The state law will go into effect later this year.

Officials in Little Rock and Hot Springs have approved more scaled-back anti-discrimination ordinances that only apply to the cities and their vendors.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – May 13, 2015 @ 9:15am.