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In Louisiana, Democratic Governor Loses LGBT Lawsuit Against His Republican AG

In a setback for Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Baton Rouge judge refused Monday to order Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry to approve state contracts that protect gays and lesbians from workplace discrimination.

By Joe Gyan Jr.

In a setback for Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Baton Rouge judge refused Monday to order Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry to approve state contracts that protect gays and lesbians from workplace discrimination.

An attorney for the governor said the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal will be asked to review state District Judge Don Johnson's decision.

Edwards issued an executive order earlier this year that bans firms contracting with the state from discriminating against any employee based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Landry views that language as outside of state law.

Edwards sued Landry late last month over the attorney general's refusal to approve several dozen state contracts that protect gays and lesbians from workplace discrimination.

(c)2016 The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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