Wal-Mart opposes new Arkansas law some see as allowing bias against gays and lesbians

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says it opposes a new law in its home state of Arkansas to ban cities and counties from expanding anti-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

A spokesman for the world's largest retailer on Monday said the proposal that became law earlier in the day runs counter to its beliefs and "sends the wrong message about Arkansas." Wal-Mart is based in Bentonville in northwest Arkansas.

The measure, which takes effect later this year, bans local governments from expanding anti-discrimination ordinances beyond state law, which doesn't include sexual orientation or gender identity.

Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson allowed the legislation to become law without his signature after citing concerns about it infringing on local control. Opponents of it had urged Wal-Mart to speak out against the measure.