A federal judge heard arguments Tuesday about whether Arkansas’ Issue 2 should be put on hold.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment filed a lawsuit against the State of Arkansas after voters approved a ballot measure that stopped the group’s planned casino. Cherokee Nation had planned to build a casino near Russellville in Pope County and had been granted a license.
But on Tuesday, Arkansas voters approved Issue 2 by a vote of about 56% to 44%. Issue 2 amends the state constitution and removes the Cherokee Nation’s license.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment filed a federal lawsuit Friday, saying the gaming license was its property and that the 5th and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution prohibit the government from taking property without due process.
