Louisiana: Bobby 'The Exorcist' Jindal to let anti-discrimination law expire

by: Pam Spaulding

Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 16:30:00 PM EDT

The order, originally signed into law by former Governor Kathleen Blanco, bars state agencies and contractors from harassment and discrimination on the basis race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or disabilities.  Jindal has said he will refuse to renew the order, in part, out of fear that it would hinder faith-based organizations' ability to contract with the state.

"Governor Jindal is proposing an unacceptable step backwards for Louisiana," said Julie Thompson, president of PFLAG's New Orleans chapter.  "Our state's proud history of 'Union, Justice, Confidence' is undermined when our public leaders strip our families of basic protections we should all enjoy.  There is nothing 'pro-family' about rolling back protections for some families."

Jindal, who has been mentioned as a possible Vice Presidential running mate for presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain, has wrongly insinuated that other state and federal laws would protect workers and contractors, saying that discrimination is prohibited under other statutes.  No such laws, however, protect gay Louisiana workers from discrimination.

"Allowing Louisiana's anti-discrimination order to expire would mean the end of any legal protection for gay citizens in the state," said PFLAG executive director Jody M. Huckaby, a native of the state.  "By not renewing this critically important measure, Governor Jindal would remove the welcome mat from Louisiana's front door.  It is imperative, and urgent, that the Governor not allow the state's commitment to non-discrimination to expire."