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08/23/08-08/25/08

Jindal Lets Louisiana Nondiscrimination Policy Lapse

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)

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Dibs
    Date posted: 2008-09-01 7:56 AM
    Hometown: Mumbai, India

    Comment:

    Bobby Jindal has been such a dissapointment to us all. At first, we in India felt rather good that a person of Indian ethnic origin had made it to Governor of an American state. There was even speculation that he might be a vice presidential candidate. Now all the euphoria is over and he keeps coming accross as a weak politician. And yes, it probably has a lot to do with his adopted name "Bobby". Obama never felt the need to change his name when he got into politics, but "Bobby" felt he had to get rid of the burden of his Indian name and get himself one that sounds more American. Now his latest action just goes to confirm - he's a weak character, a politician who is unlikely to ever anything worthwhile in his career.


  • Name: larissajo
    Date posted: 2008-08-26 10:11 AM
    Hometown: Evanston, WY

    Comment:

    It will remain to be seen whether the existing laws of Louisiana Jindalseems so proud of are actually enforced and whether they are expanded to cover all people. I serioously doubt this will happen under a Republican administration. This is another case of licensing prejudice and bigotry. Where hatred has been the norm in the past, lack of specific protection is a license for bad behavior. This is just another Bubba moment.


  • Name: Joseph
    Date posted: 2008-08-26 2:10 AM
    Hometown: Montgomery, AL

    Comment:

    Yeah Sam, after all, no one EVER referred to Robert Kennedy as "Bobby". What about Bobby Riggs? Or Bobby Darin? Or Bobby Brown? Or Bobby Vinton? Or chess champion Bobby Fischer? Do us all a favor and grow up.


  • Name: Sarcastic Bitch
    Date posted: 2008-08-25 11:15 PM
    Hometown: San Francisco, CA

    Comment:

    Yea Log Cabin Republicans! Once again, we see the fruits of their "working from within" to change the hearts and minds of Republicans and enrich the lives of gays!!! YEA!!!!!


  • Name: Sam
    Date posted: 2008-08-25 11:12 PM
    Hometown: SFCA

    Comment:

    Could you expect anything less from an adult who goes by the name of "Bobby"?


  • Name: Jimmy
    Date posted: 2008-08-25 9:59 PM
    Hometown: Cape Coral, FL

    Comment:

    I think we should go back to stamping in PINK GAY MONEY on all the bill"s we spend. Then Jindal can see all the money he lost for his state he should be ashame of him self. See it is REPUBLICANS like him is why I VOTE DEMOCRAT I hope that he see that the mistake that he made.


  • Name: John Santoro
    Date posted: 2008-08-25 7:21 PM
    Hometown: Melbourne

    Comment:

    This type of antiquated, nazi-like behavior should be well noted by the "hurt" Clintonites. I was one of them, but I know that to vote for McBush as a way of showing my anger and displeasure over not getting Hillary as the Democratic nominee, is the most small minded, selfish act for one who purports to be a Democrat. A Democratic President and Congress, is the only way to stop this evil disease from continuing to ruin this country's so called equal rights and freedom for all.


  • Name: Rick Ramsowr
    Date posted: 2008-08-25 4:38 PM
    Hometown: Houston

    Comment:

    Now ask yourself how many of these characteristics you can answer affirmatively, as it relates to the republican party? Key Characteristics of a Fascist Government 1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism 2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights 3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause 4. Supremacy of the Military 5. Rampant Sexism 6. Controlled Mass Media Using Propaganda and Censorship 7. Obsession with National Security Using Fear as a Motivational Tool 8. Intertwining of Religion and Government 9. Corporatism 10. Suppression of Labor's Power 11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts 12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment 13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption 14. Fraudulent Elections


  • Name: Rick Ramsowr
    Date posted: 2008-08-25 4:37 PM
    Hometown: Houston

    Comment:

    There are those among us who would endorse and even vote for a republican over a democrat this year. What a shame to risk all that we have gained! It's time the GAY Community stand up and take stock of itself and vote for there best interests!


  • Name: John Embry
    Date posted: 2008-08-25 3:11 PM
    Hometown: Forestville

    Comment:

    How come Louisiana has such "loony tunes" politicians? My father came from Baton Rouge and was he nothing like this. My remaining relatives there on his side of the family are delightful, thoughtful people. Had been wanting to see New Orleans again, but not now. No more 'red state' travel for us. Isn't the South ever going to smarten up?


  • Name: Lawrence Chevalier
    Date posted: 2008-08-25 2:59 PM
    Hometown: Columbus, OH

    Comment:

    My partner and I cancelled our plans to New Orleans. I forwarded the article to the three couples planning to visit Louisiana with us. They are canceling also. I sent a letter to the Lt. Governor's office indicating my disappointment in Gov. Jindal's decision. Here is part of the auto generated reply I received. "Now is the time for Louisiana to shine and you can help by advocating Louisiana's diversity, creativity and unique, unparalleled assets. Thank you, again, for contacting us." I can't wait to see what a human has to say about my opinion.


  • Name: Pablo Chagoya
    Date posted: 2008-08-24 7:25 PM
    Hometown: Chicagp

    Comment:

    We should not travel to Luisiana, he knows very well who is being affected, he also knows why Gov. Blanco signed that law before. He is just playing ignorant as mos republicans do.


  • Name: Erica Richard
    Date posted: 2008-08-24 1:09 AM
    Hometown: Eunice, Louisiana

    Comment:

    As a native of this state and an out lesbian, it pains me to once again see that something like this happen. I always saw Louisiana as unique, but with Jindal in office it is the same as any Republican-ran state-only looking out for certain people not everybody as a whole.


  • Name: Larry
    Date posted: 2008-08-23 7:10 PM
    Hometown: Miami, Florida

    Comment:

    Name: P. Sicilio Date posted: 2008-08-23 1:58 AM Hometown: Tucson Comment: Exactly, Roger. Any LGBT person reading this and thinking of visiting Louisiana/spending money in the future: DON'T! SPREAD THAT WORD!


  • Name: RogerinMA
    Date posted: 2008-08-23 11:31 AM
    Hometown: NewBedford

    Comment:

    Note to gay Republicans: Try not to be too partisan in your vote. Try thinking strategy. You see what you end up with. A "sensible" and "balanced" Republican governor who could care less about you, and any other gays in the world. Republicans are always running on "more freedom" . But for whom exactly?


  • Name: Gary from Big D
    Date posted: 2008-08-23 3:46 AM
    Hometown: Dallas, TX

    Comment:

    I'm glad to see this before Southern Decadence. I will be cancelling my planned vacation this year and from now on as long as the bigot is in office. When the state becomes blue again I will return. But until then they do not deserve my money. Nor will they get it. Sorry folks. I know how much New Orleans needed the money to rebuild, but not mine.


  • Name: P. Sicilio
    Date posted: 2008-08-23 1:58 AM
    Hometown: Tucson

    Comment:

    Exactly, Roger. Any LGBT person reading this and thinking of visiting Louisiana/spending money in the future: DON'T! I've already dashed off a letter to Louisiana's tourism office sharing my opinions of their governor, and I hope every here reading this does the same. We need to let them know how discrimination affects a state's economy.


  • Name: Tim Hulsey
    Date posted: 2008-08-23 1:09 AM
    Hometown: Charlottesville

    Comment:

    Jindal's national origin is American -- he was born in Baton Rouge. He has already been "denied" a job because of his race. It happened in 2003, when he first ran for governor against Kathleen Blanco and lost.


  • Name: Roger Burr
    Date posted: 2008-08-22 10:10 PM
    Hometown: Marble Hill, MO

    Comment:

    I hope Jindal remembers this action when he is denied a job due to his national origin. We'll see if the voters of Louisiana feel as 'compassionate' toward him as he does (NOT) toward the states LGBT residents.


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