Louisana Governor Will Not Renew Anti-Discrimination Executive Order

The AP reported yesterday that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will not renew an anti-discrimination Executive Order (E.O. KBB 04-54) when it expires this week. The Order, issued in 2004 by former governor Kathleen Blanco bars state agencies from discriminating on the basis of religion, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or disabilities. It also requires that anyone contracting with the state must similarly agree not to discriminate in employment on any of these bases. Jindal says that state and federal law already prohibit discrimination. He is also concerned that the Order may make it difficult for the state to contract with faith-based organizations that hire on the basis of religion.