LITTLE ROCK—Today, the Human  Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing equality in Arkansas following tonight’s referendum results in Fayetteville.  Following a vicious, months-long campaign by anti-LGBT activists, a citywide non-discrimination ordinance that was recently passed by the Fayetteville City Council was repealed.

Following tonight’s result, HRC Arkansas State Director Kendra R. Johnson released the following statement:

"Tonight's vote is a deeply disappointing reminder that equality doesn't always move forward in a straight line. Make no mistake about it, tonight's election results—and the repeal of this ordinance—will inflict direct harm on LGBT Arkansans, their families and their friends.  But we remain convinced that the progress of fairness will continue despite this result. All Arkansans should have the legal right to live safely within their communities, homes and workplaces, and the day will come soon when LGBT young people will wake up in this state and enjoy true equality under the law. We'll keep up the fight until that dream is achieved.”