Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signed an executive order that protects “gays” and transgenders from employment discrimination on state-tied places of work, including with contractors. The order basically adds to a list of prohibited workplace discrimination that already includes national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, race, color religion and gender. “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,” said Edwards, in a written 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.” FULL REPORT