Fayetteville's antidiscrimination ordinance splits council, chamber

Springfield isn’t the only community in the region that has been divided by an antidiscrimination ordinance affecting businesses. In Fayetteville, Ark., the city council and chamber of commerce are at opposite ends of the issue that will go before voters on Dec. 9.

On Aug. 20, Fayetteville City Council passed the ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace or in housing based on veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic background. On Nov. 7, the city’s chamber of commerce voted to oppose the ordinance citing vague language. Fayetteville’s mayor disputes that assertion as invalid, according to Arkansas Business.

Like Springfield, residents opposed to the passage of antidiscrimination rules have mobilized and gathered enough signatures to send the measure to the ballot box. 

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