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Group Appeals Ruling On Anti-Discrimination Measure

LGBTQ Flag
wikipedia.org

Opponents of a northwest Arkansas city's ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity say they're appealing a judge's decision to allow a vote on the measure next week.

Protect Fayetteville filed a notice late Thursday afternoon that they're appealing Washington County Circuit Judge Doug Martin's denial of their motion to block Tuesday's vote on the anti-discrimination ordinance. The group said it's appealing to the state Supreme Court.

Martin denied Protect Fayetteville's motion for a temporary restraining order earlier Thursday, ruling the group waited too late to challenge the election.

The group argues the ordinance violates a new state law prohibiting local measures banning discrimination on a basis not contained in state law. Arkansas civil rights law does not include sexual orientation or gender identity.

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