Never mind Wal-Mart, Arkansas approves its 'religious liberty' bill

Hutchinson has said repeatedly he will sign the measure into law despite opponents who have called it discriminatory and a backlash against similar legislation in Indiana that has that state's governor seeking to further clarify the law's scope.

The Arkansas House passed amendments in three separate votes: 68-19, 67-18 and 67-21, to HB1228 on Tuesday. The chamber previously approved the bill, sponsored by Rep. Bob Ballinger, R-Hindsville, but had to approve a new version with amendments added in the state Senate….

Supporters of the law say it provides needed religious protections. Opponents, including many who gathered at the state Capitol for a second day in a row to protest HB1228, counter that the bill enables discrimination against gay people.

The leaders of Apple, Yelp and Little Rock-based Acxiom have called on Hutchinson to veto the bill, and Wal-Mart has also expressed reservations about it. On Tuesday, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola sent a letter to Hutchinson asking him to veto it and a former Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Davy Carter, on Monday called on House members to vote against the bill.

Wal-Mart's CEO Doug McMillion released a statement via a company social media account saying that HB1228 "threatens to undermine the spirit of inclusion present throughout the state of Arkansas and does not reflect the values we proudly uphold."