NEW LEADERSHIP

Louisiana’s Incoming Democratic Governor Is Already Proving To Be An LGBTQ Ally

Screen shot 2015-12-02 at 2.27.27 PM

Though he didn’t make LGBTQ issues a large part of his campaign, Louisiana’s incoming Democratic governor, John Bel Edwards, is already proving to be an ally to the gay community and he hasn’t even taken office yet.

Yesterday, Edwards, who defeated antigay Republican Sen. David Vitter in the gubernatorial race last month in an landslide, announced plans to issue an executive order protecting government employees and contractors from being fired, harassed or discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation.

Related: Sen. David Vitter Promises He No Longer Pays For Prostitutes. But, Don’t Worry, He’s Still Antigay!

The state’s previous executive order prohibiting discrimination against LGBT state employees and contractors lapsed in 2008 after religious freedom fighter/failed 2016 presidential candidate Bobby Jindal refused to renew it, calling the law “unnecessary.”

“We are certainly looking forward to having a governor that makes human rights a priority,” Sarah Jane Brady, with Forum for Equality, a LGBT advocacy group, told NOLA.com.

Edwards did not indicate exactly when he will issue the executive order, but he implied that it will be shortly after taking office. He is set to be sworn in as governor on January 11.

Related: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal Calls Antigay Religious Freedom Laws “Common Sense”

h/t: NOLA.com

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated