Appeal Court Rules: Governor Edwards Cannot Protect Us

We are very disappointed with the First Circuit Court of Appeal’s ruling against Governor Edwards’ Nondiscrimination Executive Order.

Attorney General Jeff Landry, in his effort to dismantle protections for gay and transgender Louisianans from discrimination, is on the wrong side of history. The solid majority of our state support protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment, but there are no such protections in our state or federal laws. This is why the executive order issued by Gov. Edwards is critical.

This decision marks a clear step backwards in Louisiana’s journey to becoming a state that welcomes all families to try to earn a living here and all businesses in search of a welcoming, business-friendly climate. We want to thank Governor John Bel Edwards and Executive Counsel Matt Block for standing for equality and for their hard work and dedication to protecting all citizens from discrimination.

While this is a disappointing outcome, we will continue to work toward securing legal protections from discrimination in employment and state services for all Louisianans. This decision does not mark the end of this battle. As we saw with the NBA’s decision to pull out of North Carolina, our state can expect to lose our competitive edge for securing and retaining businesses if we are not proactively fighting for equality.

Louisiana Trans Advocates and Forum for Equality are in conversation with the Administration on next steps. Should the Administration pursue an appeal to this decision, it would go to the Louisiana Supreme Court, who could decide whether or not to hear arguments in the case.

With equality,

Dylan Waguespack, President of Louisiana Trans Advocates

SarahJane Guidry, Executive Director of Forum for Equality