Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act (HB 707)

HB 707 would prohibit the state from taking any adverse action against a person, wholly or partially, on the basis that such person acts in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction about the institution of marriage.

The bill defines person to mean “a natural or juridical person[…]and includes any such person regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof, and regardless of for-profit or nonprofit status.”

If passed, the bill would allow businesses and individuals to discriminate against people whose marriages do not conform to their religious beliefs or moral convictions.

STATUS

Failed to pass the legislature.

On May 19, 2015, Gov. Jindal issued an Marriage and Conscience Executive Order in an attempt to enforce the intent of HB 707.

On April 13, 2016, Gov. Edwards signed an Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Executive Order  which, among other things, rescinded the Marriage and Conscience Order.

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People