Arkansas Religious Freedom Law News 2015: Governor Retreats, Orders Revision of Religious Freedom Act Amid Mounting Criticism

Under huge pressure from business and civil rights groups, Arkansas' Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson retreated on Wednesday, ordering a revision of the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act to balance tolerance for diversity and protections of religious freedom.

In a news conference at the Capitol in Little Rock, Hutchinson said he was sending the bill back to the Republican-controlled legislature to be rewritten. It was major turnaround for the governor who hours earlier vowed that he would sign the bill,

"We want to be known as a state that does not discriminate, but understands tolerance," Hutchinson said. "We just didn't get it perfect through that legislative process."

The governor said his own son had asked him to veto the measure, adding a personal element to the pressure to reject the bill.

Hutchinson, 64, recognized a generational divide over same-sex marriage. "The issue has become divisive, because our nation remains split on how to balance the diversity of our culture with the traditions and firmly held religious convictions. It has divided families and there is clearly a generational gap on this issue."

As Hutchinson spoke, scores of protesters stood outside the Capitol waving the rainbow flag of the gay rights movement.

Hutchinson's retreat was immediately welcomed by rights activists and U.S. businesses, including corporate giant Wal-Mart Stores.

A day earlier, Indiana Governor Mike Pence also ordered lawmakers to fix a similar Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) after it was enacted into law last week.

The enactment of the law was greeted with strong protests as powerful U.S. firms threatened Indiana with boycotts and warned of an economic backlash for standing against the U.S. ideals of inclusion.

Amounting mounting criticism throughout the U.S., Republican lawmakers in Indiana met LGBT leaders to see how they could modify the new law to protect their community from potential discrimination.

Walmart, the world's biggest retailer, called on the Arkansas governor to veto the bill. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act "threatens to undermine the spirit of inclusion present throughout the state of Arkansas and does not reflect the values we proudly uphold."

He added:"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."

Apple Inc. joined in the protest with CEO Tim Cook expressing disappointment at the actions taken in Arkansas and Indiana. "Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana's new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228," he said in a tweet.

About 40 technology industry leaders, including the CEOs of Yelp, Twitter, AirBnB, Cisco Systems and PayPal also called on state lawmakers to approve civil rights protections for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, community.

In an executive order, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned publicly funded travel to Indiana. "Today, I direct all agencies, departments, boards and commissions to immediately review all requests for state funded or state sponsored travel to the State of Indiana and to bar any such publicly funded travel that is not essential to the enforcement of state law or public health and safety. The ban on publicly funded travel shall take effect immediately," he said in statement released on March 31.

He added, "New York State has been, and will continue to be, a leader in ensuring that all LGBT persons enjoy full and equal civil rights. With this action, we stand by our LGBT family members, friends and colleagues to ensure that their rights are respected."

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy also signed an order banning state-funded travel to Indiana. "We cannot sit idly by and do nothing while laws are enacted that will turn back the clock. We need to keep moving forward and stand up against forces that seek to roll back progress. I'm sending a clear message with this executive order: Discrimination can't and won't be tolerated by the State of Connecticut," he said.

Washington Gov. also imposed a ban on travel to Indiana. "I find Indiana's new law disturbing, particularly at a time when more and more states and people in America are embracing civil rights for everyone. Washington will join other states and cities in opposing this law and I will impose an administration-wide ban on state funded travel to Indiana," he said. "Indiana's law appears to legalize private discrimination. Washington state fought against this very thing in a case Attorney General Bob Ferguson brought against a florist."