The CEO of Walmart on Tuesday called for the governor of Arkansas to veto the religious freedom bill passed by the state’s legislature on Tuesday, which may allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.
The legislation in Arkansas is similar to the controversial law signed last week by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R).
“Every day in our stores, we see firsthand the benefits diversity and inclusion have on our associates, customers and communities we serve. It all starts with our core basic belief of respect for the individual,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillion said in a statement on Twitter. “Today’s passage of HB1228 threatens to undermine the spirit of inclusion present throughout the state of Arkansas and does not reflect the values we proudly uphold.”
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) had been concerned about an earlier version of the Arkansas bill, but said recently that he would sign the bill if it “reaches my desk in similar form as to what has been passed in 20 other states.”
