Arkansas town's vote opens fight over law cast as anti-gay

A northwest Arkansas town's vote to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity could pave the way for a legal fight over a new state law criticized as anti-gay.

Residents in Eureka Springs, a town known both for its 66-foot-tall Jesus statue and for being a gay-friendly tourist destination, voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to uphold the anti-discrimination ordinance. It's the most direct challenge to a state law aimed at preventing local protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Supporters said the results reinforced the image of the town as an inclusive community.

"The city has proven that it really believes in the golden rule, in treating one another how you'd like to be treated," Mayor Robert "Butch" Berry said Wednesday.

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