Louisiana governor signs non-discrimination order protecting LGBT employees

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) signed an executive order on Wednesday protecting employees from discrimination based on "race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, disability, or age."

"We are fortunate enough to live in a state that is rich with diversity, and we are built on a foundation of unity and fairness for all of our citizens," Edwards said in a statement. "We respect our fellow citizens for their beliefs, but we do not discriminate based on our disagreements. I believe in giving every Louisianan the opportunity to be successful and to thrive in our state."

Edwards' order comes as states like Mississippi and North Carolina have done away such non-discrimination protections and faced heavy criticism as a result.

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