I just received the following, which I hasten to disseminate. I’ve written Jindal. You should, too.
“Yesterday Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal threatened to roll back protections for our families by refusing to renew an anti-discrimination executive order that is set to expire TODAY [Friday, 22 August]. The order prohibits state agencies and contractors from harassment and discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or disabilities.
“We need your help by encouraging your friends and allies to call and email Governor Bobby Jindal today and tomorrow urging him to renew this law. Attached please find an action alert along with key talking points and a sample email. You can email Governor Jindal directly by going to http://www.gov.la.gov/ and encouraging him to do the right thing by renewing this critically important law.
Info from PFLAG:
Don’t Let Bobby Jindal Roll Back Protections for Louisiana’s Families
Issue:
“Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal refuses to renew an anti-discrimination executive order that is set to expire on TOMORROW. The order prohibits state agencies and contractors from harassment and discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or disabilities.
“Governor Jindal recently said “discrimination is prohibited under state and federal laws and I don’t want to create more special categories by executive order.” He worries protections for such categories would hinder faith-based organizations’ ability to contract with the state. Govern Jindal is wrong. No such laws exist protecting gay Louisiana workers from discrimination.
What you can do to help:
“We need you and your friends to call (225-342-0991) and send an email TODAY to Governor Bobby Jindal urging him to renew this anti-discrimination executive order that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or disabilities.
Talking Points:
“• Don’t Step Away from Equality. Allowing our State’s anti-discrimination order to expire would mean the end of any legal protection for gay citizens in the state. By refusing to renew this critically important measure, our families will no longer be safe and welcomed in the state.
“• A Law that Works Should Remain on the Books. The law currently protects our families. Its intentions serve the public and foster a welcoming environment for all to excel in the workplace. We urge you to keep this important law on the books. It is imperative and urgent that you not allow the state’s commitment to non-discrimination to expire.
“• No Known Instance of the Law Impeding Faith-Based Work. To date, there is no reported instance where a faith-based organization has been unable or unwilling to work with the state because of the law. Governor Jindal’s worries are based on speculation, not fact, and should not be an excusable justification for allowing this law to expire.”
Contact:
If you have questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact Rhodes Perry, PFLAG’s Field and Policy Manager at 202-467-8180 extension 221 or rperry@pflag.org.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Info]
Sample Letter [by P-FLAG]:
August 22, 2008
Governor Bobby Jindal
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
225-342-0991
Dear Governor Jindal:
“On behalf of Louisiana’s Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays’ (PFLAG) 1,100 members and supporters, we strongly urge you to rescind your pledge to allow our state’s anti-discrimination executive order to expire tomorrow. Refusing to extend this order will undermine Louisiana’s proud history of “Union, Justice, Confidence,” by stripping our families of the basic protections we should all have the privilege to enjoy.
“We know from experience that legislation protecting people on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or disabilities is much more effective in stopping harassment and discrimination along with providing the necessary education and training for state employers and contractors to understand how to comply with the law. For that reason, we ask you to stand up for all of our families and support this important executive order with enumerated protections that include sexual orientation.
“We believe that it is imperative and urgent that you do not allow the state’s commitment to non-discrimination expire on your watch.”
[Your favorite very polite closing],
[Your Name]
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 
That is pretty rank. I used to belong to PFLAG but have been out of touch. Do you think my input would mean much? We’re all a bunch of lie-berals out here, as any good Louisiana citizen knows.
I’m wondering about that. Louisiana politicians tend to deride “outsiders” but on the other hand, you could tell them it’s bad for business – it’s the one argument that does seem to land.