Jindal’s executive action calls for broad discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people
WASHINGTON, DC, May 20, 2015 — Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has issued an executive order that opens the door to unprecedented discrimination against LGBTQ people under the guise of “religious freedom.”
“We are outraged by Governor Bobby Jindal’s executive action designed to legalize broad discrimination against LGBTQ people. It is clear that Governor Jindal is putting his presidential aspirations before the lives of millions of people. The use of his authority to promote state-sanctioned discrimination is deplorable. His action is an example of self-interested politicians manipulating faith as an excuse to impose their personal beliefs on other people and to further their political careers,” said Rea Carey, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund Executive Direction.
Governor Jindal took executive action against LGBTQ people following the defeat of a discriminatory bill (HB 707) in the state legislature. The bill would have allowed for broad discrimination against same-sex couples and LGBTQ people. Earlier this year, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund launched the “Nix It Now” campaign calling on LGBTQ advocates and allies to urge their elected officials to reject discriminatory Indiana-style religious exemption laws.
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CONTACT:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
213-842-7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org