State Laws and Legislation

Arkansas Non-Discrimination Law

Gender identity protected? No
Under A.C.A. § 16-123-107, the term "gender" is specified in the non-discrimination statute to mean "on account of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions." The code indicates that the definition of "gender" is "not limited to," these categories. As yet, no court in the state has addressed an extended interpretation of "gender" or what qualifies under "related medical conditions" in relation to gender identity or transgender discrimination. A.C.A. § 16-123-102 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? No
Under Arkansas law, discrimination covers incidences based on "race, religion, national origin, gender, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability" in public and private employment, public accommodations, property transactions and voting. A.C.A. § 16-123-102 (2001).

Updated: Fri, March 09, 2007 - 12:00:00