Jindal Lets
Louisiana Nondiscrimination Policy Lapse

Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal will not renew an antidiscrimination order put in place by his predecessor when it expires Friday, the Associated Press reports.

The policy, sanctioned by then-governor Kathleen Blanco in 2004 by executive order, bars state agencies and contractors from harassing and discriminating against employees based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, or disabilities. Jindal told reporters Wednesday that because state and federal laws prohibit discrimination, he did not feel an executive order was necessary. However, neither federal nor Louisiana law protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. He said he was also concerned that faith-based organizations could not contract with the state under Blanco's order. (The Advocate)