Ark. governor won't sign 'religious freedom' bill

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson won’t sign the so-called “religious freedom” bill state lawmakers passed this week.

CNN reports the first-term Republican governor said he wants his state "to be known as a state that does not discriminate but understands tolerance."

Supporters say the bills stands up for the rights of business owners, allowing them to refuse service, but opponents say it’s little more than discrimination against the LGBT community.

Hutchinson said he’d like to see legislation that more closely mirrors the federal law.

The decision comes in the wake of uproar in Indiana, where a similar bill has led to backlash from businesses and organizations such as the NCAA. In Arkansas, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has been the most vocal opponent.

CNN reports Hutchinson is considering signing an executive order that bars discrimination among the state's workforce.

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