Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards issued an executive order Wednesday that protects state workers and state contractors from being fired, discriminated against or harassed based on their gender identity as well as their sexual orientation. State agencies, departments and offices also wouldn't be able to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
This means the nondiscrimination policy will not only cover gay, lesbian, and bisexual people but also transgender people for the first time. Most of the order was enacted immediately, though the parts that apply to state contractors won't take effect until July 1.
The order includes an exception for religious organizations who believe that complying with the nondiscrimination policy would violate their religious beliefs. The Catholic church and several other religious organizations contract with the state to provide educational, health care and adoption issues.
