Fayetteville voters repeal no-discrimination rule

Little Rock, Ark. (AP) — Fayetteville residents have repealed a rule that would have extended housing, job and public accommodation protections against discrimination of gays.

The Fayetteville City Council had OK'd the anti-discrimination ordinance in August that went beyond state and federal laws. On Tuesday, voters in the northwest Arkansas city voted to repeal the measure. If voters upheld the proposed city law, it would have been the first of its kind in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the complete but unofficial results show the rule was defeated by about 480 votes. Other sources reported a record voter turnout.

The issue was put on a special election ballot after opponents gathered enough signatures on petitions to force a vote on the matter. Supporters took the matter to circuit court, but a judge allowed the issue to be placed on the ballot.

The Northwest Arkansas Center for Equality, located in Fayetteville, said in a Facebook post, "It is with great sadness that we announce that we lost by a narrow margin.

"It's very unfortunate to see the ordinance overturned, but while the battle is lost, the war is not over. We will continue to work to change minds and hearts."

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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, AR, and the Northwest Arkansas Center for Equality. Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – December 10, 2014 @ 11:45am