Louisiana: Gov. Bobby Jindal Plans Executive Order On "Religious Freedom"

Earlier today, the Louisiana state House failed to advance Gov. Bobby Jindal's HB 707 on a vote of 10-2. The bill is similar to other states' "Religious Freedoms" legislation that has become synonymous with anti-gay animus.

In a statement this afternoon, Jindal says he will issue an executive order that will do what his failed bill might have done:

"We are disappointed by the committee’s action to return the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act to the calendar.

"We will be issuing an Executive Order shortly that will accomplish the intent of HB 707 to prevent the state from discriminating against persons or entities with deeply held religious beliefs that marriage is between one man and one woman.

"This Executive Order will prohibit the state from denying or revoking a tax exemption, tax deduction, contract, cooperative agreement, loan, professional license, certification, accreditation, or employment on the basis the person acts in accordance with a religious belief that marriage is between one man and one woman."

Jindal plans to announce a 2016 run for the GOP presidential nomination on June 11th.