Jindal issues religious-freedom order

Only two hours after Louisiana’s state legislature squashed a law that would have allowed businesses to discriminate against same-sex couples, Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal issued an executive order to accomplish its intent.

“In Louisiana, the state should not be able to take adverse action against a person for their belief in traditional marriage,” Jindal said.


HB 707, which would have blocked the government from penalizing companies because of the owner’s stance on same-sex marriage, was defeated in the state house’s Civil Law and Procedure over fears that it legalized discrimination against LGBT people.

“We don’t support discrimination in Louisiana and we do support religious liberty. These two values can be upheld at the same time,” the governor said.

Jindal said he was “disappointed by the committee’s action.”

His executive order came the day after the Louisiana Republican announced he is forming an exploratory committee for a potential White House bid in 2016. Jindal has stated that he will make and announce his final decision after the state’s legislative session culminates June 11.

Jindal is a strong proponent of a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage across the country. When Indiana and Arkansas drew fire for bills that critics said would legalize discrimination against LGBT citizens, the Louisiana governor was quick to defend the legislation and criticize the states’ governors for advocating legislative compromise.

The state’s Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk responded by calling Jindal’s decision a “stunt,” that showed disregard for Louisiana’s tourism industry. (As controversy in Indiana and Arkansas brewed, many pro-LGBT businesses and groups suggested boycotting travel to the states.)

“Louisiana taxpayers and businesses are once again being forced to foot the bill for Jindal’s vanity,” said Handwerk. “It’s foolishness our families cannot afford.”

Jindal’s decision was first reported by the New Orleans Times Picayune.