Voters in Texarkana soundly reject anti-discrimination law

TEXARKANA -- Voters have repealed Texarkana's nondiscrimination ordinance.

Residents voted in a special election Tuesday to rescind Ordinance No. M-130 in its entirety. Complete but unofficial results were:

For repeal 3,409

Against repeal 881

The ordinance prohibited the city and businesses that contract with it from discriminating on the basis of several factors including sexual orientation and gender identity.

M-130 drew challenges upon its unanimous passage by the city Board of Directors in January. In March, opponents filed a petition forcing Tuesday's election.

The vote came after weeks of public debate. M-130 proponents argued it was a progressive acknowledgment of gay, bisexual and transgender rights that would attract business to the city. Critics said it would allow transgender people to use the public restrooms of their choice, which they decried as a danger to women and children.

City Attorney George Matteson said that once election results are recorded by the city clerk, the ordinance officially will cease.

State Desk on 06/30/2016

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