Saying “we respect our fellow citizens,” Louisiana’s new Democratic governor, John Bel Edwards, yesterday issued an executive order mandating nondiscrimination by state government against people based on sexual orientation and gender.

He also revoked an order by Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal that gave protection to people who discriminated against LGBT in the name of religion. Edwards’ order contains exceptions for religious organizations who contract to provide services. Louisiana also has some local governments that have passed non-discrimination ordinances. There is no state law barring such ordinances.

Advertisement

Edwards didn’t say so, but his action comes as North Carolina and Mississippi are experiencing business backlash to new discriminatory laws.

Two business groups — one in New Orleans and one in Shreveport — expressed support for Edwards’ issuing the LGBT protection. “This action will help to solidify Louisiana’s current reputation as a welcoming place for business and talent,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., one of the largest business groups in the city.

 So far,  Arkansas has flown under the radar of those expressing disagreement with discriminatory state law by canceling business expansions, canceling travel and other measures.

Advertisement

Arkansas law varies little except in specifics. The legislature passed — and Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed — a broad discrimination bill that gives broad protection for discrimination against LGBT people by any who claim a religious basis for discriminatory actions. Hutchinson declined to stand in the way of a law preventing local non-discrimination ordinances — a law that has not successfully staunched local efforts.

Significantly, Gov. Hutchinson also talked about, but ultimately decided against, issuing a nondiscrimination policy for state government. It remains perfectly legal to discriminate against LGBT state employees and to do business with those who openly discriminate.

Advertisement

Hutchinson said last year he saw no “urgent” need for a state nondiscrimination policy. Perhaps an awareness by major businesses that Arkansas law is every bit as discriminatory as those in other Southern states and that the governor to date has taken no steps to mitigate those laws might produce more urgency for action.

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Benton County ‘buys out’ sheriff. Can they do that? Next article Jennifer Carman resigns from Historic District Commission