Arkansas: Little Rock City Board Approves LGBT Protections In Spite Of Statewide Ban

By a vote of 7-2, the Little Rock City Board approved an ordinance that bans LGBT discrimination in hiring and city services, including those offered through outside vendors.

This comes after Arkansas state lawmakers recently passed legislation that bars cities and municipalities from expanding anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

"I think we're sending a message that we're a welcoming community, that we're diverse, that we realize that's good for business, that we value all of our citizens," said City Director Kathy Webb, the sponsor of the proposal. "I think that's very important to make that kind of statement for Little Rock."

No word yet from Attorney General Leslie Rutledge on Little Rock's proposal and whether it would conflict with the state law.