LITTLE ROCK — Opponents of a northwest Arkansas city's ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity say they're appealing a judge's decision to allow a vote on the measure next week.
Protect Fayetteville filed a notice late Thursday afternoon that it is appealing Washington County Circuit Judge Doug Martin's denial of its motion to block Tuesday's vote on the anti-discrimination ordinance. The group said it's appealing to the state Supreme Court.
Martin denied Protect Fayetteville's motion for a temporary restraining order earlier Thursday, ruling the group waited too late to challenge the election. The group argues the ordinance violates a new state law prohibiting local measures banning discrimination on a basis not contained in state law. Arkansas civil-rights law does not include sexual orientation or gender identity.