Anti-Discrimination Law - ARKANSAS

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DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL

Article 2, Section 1, 4, and 6 of the Arkansas Constitution guarantees the right to everyone in Arkansas of freedom of speech, expression and association. Cooper V. Henslee. 257 Ark. 963. A person's constitutional right to freedom of speech, expression and association include the right to dress and belong to clubs or organizations of their choice. Individuals and businesses who discriminate against individuals on the basis of their clothing or club membership may be subject to lawsuit.

The United States Supreme Court in the case of Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971), held that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays writing or designs. The right of an individual to freedom and association has long been recognized and protected by the United States Supreme Court. Thus, a person's right to wear the clothing of his choice, as well as his right to belong to any club or organization of his choice is constitutionally protected, and persons or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to lawsuit.

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NCOM Region

REGION V : Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisana, Mississippi, Tennessee

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