La. Gov. Says He Values Diversity, Doesn't Discriminate, Then Rescinds Order Protecting Christian Religious Freedom
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said he values diversity and doesn't discriminate, as he rescinded an executive order protecting the religious freedom of gay marriage opponents.
Edwards issued the order, rescinding an executive order enacted by the state's former governor, Republican Bobby Jindal, last year meant to protect businesses and religious nonprofits from government backlash over their objection to same-sex marriage.
Edwards' office announced Wednesday that the 49-year-old governor signed an executive order putting in place non-discrimination protections for the LGBT people who apply for state government jobs and contracting jobs with the state.
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According to the press release, the order also prohibits discrimination against LGBT individuals in services provided by state agencies, while recognizing an exemption for churches and religious organizations.
"We are fortunate enough to live in a state that is rich with diversity, and we are built on a foundation of unity and fairness for all of our citizens," Edwards said in a statement. "We respect our fellow citizens for their beliefs, but we do not discriminate based on our disagreements. I believe in giving every Louisianan the opportunity to be successful and to thrive in our state. Our goal is to promote the opportunities we have right here in Louisiana."
"While this executive order respects the religious beliefs of our people, it also signals to the rest of the country that discrimination is not a Louisiana value, but rather, that Louisiana is a state that is respectful and inclusive of everyone around us," the statement added.
Additionally, Edwards' order also nullifies an executive order called the "Marriage and Conscience Order" that was put in place by Jindal last May after the state legislature failed to pass HB 707, also known as the "Marriage and Conscience Act."
The order, Jindal claimed at the time, was designed to "prevent the state from discriminating against persons or entities with deeply held religious beliefs that marriage is between one man and one woman."
Edward's argues that Jindal's order only served a "narrow political agenda." He also stressed that he and many state lawmakers believe that Jindal's order was bad for business, tourism and the economy of Louisiana.
"It does nothing but divide our state and forced the business community, from Louisiana's smallest businesses to large corporations, like IBM, to strongly oppose it," Edwards' statement reads. "This executive order threatens Louisiana's business growth, and it goes against everything we stand for — unity, acceptance, and opportunity for all."
Edwards' press release asserts that his order will not conflict with Louisiana's Preservation of Religious Freedom Act, which he supports, that was passed in 2010.
Edwards' administration made no secret about his plans to rescind Jindal's order. While alerting media that Edwards had an executive order in the works, Edwards' Press Secretary Shauna Sanford told Deadline Hollywood in late March that the governor intended to rescind Jindal's order.
While many LGBT rights groups and businesses issued statements praising Edwards' order, Gene Mills, the president of the Louisiana Family Forum, issued a statement condemning Edwards action.
"Nowhere in Louisiana law (or the Executive Order) is a legal definition provided for the newly protected categories," Mills stated. "Ironically, while other states are seeking to protect people of faith, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards seems to be using his executive power to silence those same people of faith."
