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Arkansas Senators Split On Discrimination Bill

Mark Pryor and John Boozman

Arkansas' U.S. senators split on a measure now headed to the House that outlaws workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor voted for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, while Republican Sen. John Boozman opposed the measure. The proposal passed that chamber on a 64-32 vote.

The bill would prohibit employers with 15 or more workers from using a person's sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for making employment decisions, including hiring, firing, compensation or promotion. It would exempt religious institutions and the military.

The measure heads to the House, where it faces heavy opposition. Pryor is a two-term senator who is running for re-election against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton next year. Boozman was elected to the Senate in 2010.

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