An Arkansas bill, which would allow healthcare providers to legally discriminate against LGBTQ+ people on the grounds of moral beliefs, has been sent to the governor’s desk after being approved by lower legislators and the state Senate.
According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Senate Bill 289, otherwise known as the ‘Medical Ethics and Diversity Act’, will allow medical professionals to refuse LGBTQ+ clients if they have “religious, moral or ethical” objections.Arkansas representative Brandt Smith, who initially introduced the bill to the state House, argued the regulations will “protect the rights of medical workers.” However, House member Tippi McCullough is fearful the bill will be used to “discriminate or to make folks feel.