Arkansas passes 'religious freedom' bill similar to new Indiana law, sparking more protests

Arkansas lawmakers on Tuesday approved a religious-freedom bill similar to the one recently passed in Indiana that critics say creates the potential for businesses and others to legally discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation.

The state’s Republican-led House gave final approval to the bill, which prohibits the state and local governments from infringing on a person's religious beliefs without a "compelling" interest.

The measure now goes to Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who has said he will sign it into law.