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In the calamitous aftermath of Indiana’s “Religious Freedom Act,” Arkansas Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson has asked state lawmakers to redraft a similar bill in his state to avoid the same fate,  CNN reports.

Hutchinson asked lawmakers to mirror the 1993 federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was signed into law by former President Bill Clinton, and ensures that religious freedom are protected, the report notes.

SEE ALSO: Charles Barkley Says Indiana Should Be Boycotted For “Religious Freedom Act”

The move comes after critics stalled an Indiana measure, which opponents say tried to go beyond protecting religion and would permit discrimination against the LGBT community.

Now, Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Pence, pressured by businesses, sports associations like the NCAA and popular culture figures, has also asked lawmakers to overhaul the measure he signed last week.

In Arkansas, Wal-Mart, the world’s largest publically traded company, applied the most pressure. From CNN:

Hutchinson asked lawmakers to recall the law that the Arkansas House had given final approval on Tuesday — or to send him follow-up legislation that makes the changes he requested.

Meanwhile, Hutchinson said, he’s considering signing an executive order that bars discrimination among the state’s workforce.

“The issue has become divisive because our nation remains split on how to balance the diversity of our culture with the traditions and firmly held religious convictions,” Hutchinson said. “It has divided families, and there is clearly a generational gap on this issue.”

We’re pleased that both governors decided to listen to their constituents and that major corporations flexed their considerable muscle to help institute important change. LGBT members and other minorities already face enough obstacles without the creation of more legal barriers.

SOURCE: CNN | VIDEO: NDN

Arkansas Lawmakers Slow Their Roll After Uproar Over Indiana’s Anti-Gay Bill  was originally published on newsone.com