Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal defended a proposed religious freedom bill in his state.
Jindal defended the “Marriage and Conscience Act” written by Republican state Rep. Mike Johnson Thursday at a news conference, saying that once people learn more about it, they will accept it.
According to Jindal, the bill prevents Louisiana from discriminating against businesses or business owners who choose to exercise their religious beliefs when it comes to providing services to others.
“The great thing in America is that we support the right of folks to live their lives according to their beliefs, whether we agree with them or not,” Jindal said. “I think you can have tolerance and religious liberty. I don’t think those two are mutually exclusive.”
However, critics say it will allow businesses and business owners to discriminate against serving same-sex couples, while also protected them from any sort of consequences for doing so from Louisiana or other states.
As written, the act would prohibit Louisiana from denying any resident or business a license, benefits or tax deductions because of actions taken “in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction” about marriage.
The bill does not affect a business’ ability to serve or not serve its customers, Jindal countered.
Computer giant IBM sent a letter to Jindal Wednesday — it has plans for an 800-worker facility in Baton Rouge — coming out in “strong” opposition to the bill.
“A bill that legally protects discrimination based on same-sex marriage status will create a hostile environment for our current and prospective employees, and is antithetical to our company’s values,” James M. Driesse, a senior state executive for the company, wrote. “IBM will find it much harder to attract talent to Louisiana if this bill is passed and enacted into law.”
The bill comes at a time when religious freedom laws have sparked strong debate in other states.
In Indiana, Republican Gov. Mike Pence put quickly into affect changes to his state’s religious freedom bill after lawmakers, citizens, celebrities and companies alike voiced concern it allowed to discrimination against same-sex couples.
In Louisiana, same-sex couples are not allowed to marry under the state’s constitution. There are no legal protections from discrimination for lesbians, gays, bisexual or transgender people.
The Louisiana bill has been referred to the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure, though no hearing has been set.
Regardless if this bill passes, how not just the state of Louisiana reacts, but the country as well, will be crucial to watch as Jindal toys with the idea of a run for the Republican presidential nomination.
(H/t USA Today)
