Critics say scaled-back Arkansas hate crimes bill is a farce

(AP) Arkansas legislative leaders have introduced a drastically scaled-back hate crimes measure that no longer refers to race, sexual orientation or gender identity. The proposal filed Thursday was denounced by longtime proponents of hate crimes laws who removing those specific classes makes it meaningless. The proposal instead refers to crimes committed against someone because of mental, physical, biological, cultural, political, or religious beliefs or characteristics. Arkansas is one of three states without a hate crimes law. A push to enact one by Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson has faced resistance from conservatives.