WASHINGTON –  DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement in response to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards’ executive order that protects state workers and contractors from being harassed or fired due to their gender identity or sexual orientation: 

“I applaud Governor John Bel Edwards for continuing our party’s strong tradition of equality and protecting all Americans from discrimination. His executive order protecting state workers and contractors from anti-LGBT discrimination will help ensure that LGBT Louisianans have the equal protection under the law they deserve.

“Governor Edwards’ leadership stands in stark contrast to the disingenuous arguments that we’ve heard from Republican leaders in North Carolina, in Mississippi, in Washington, DC, and elsewhere. We have seen Republican Governors cater to the most extreme voices in their party by signing anti-LGBT bills and we’ve seen the Republican National Committee endorse policies that would further target the LGBT community for discrimination. Sadly, anti-LGBT measures have become part of the standard Republican playbook. Discrimination is neither a ‘right’ nor a ‘liberty.’ Hatred holds our nation back, and creates divisions where none should exist.

“Governor Edwards' action today proves once again that the Democratic Party is the party of inclusion, diversity, and respect for all. It’s long past time for the Republican Party to join our efforts to expand equality for everyone.”