OPEN THREAD: GOP Kids' Table Debate

Watch along and weigh in here during the Kids' Table Debate, which begins at 5PM eastern. This and the later debate at 9PM will be streamed live at Fox News, but you'll need your cable system login to watch.

LOUISIANA: Done And Done

(Tipped by JMG reader TJ)

Whatcha Gonna Do NOW, Bobby?

Last night Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal ignored the rulings of SCOTUS and the Fifth Circuit Court, declaring that the state would not recognize same-sex marriages until the original ruling by the district court was rescinded. The Fifth Circuit gave that court until July 17th to act, but it did so today. From the ruling:

IT IS ORDERED that this Court's Order and Reasons and the accompanying Judgment dated September 3, 2014, are hereby recalled and rescinded; IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Article XII, Section 15 of the Louisiana Constitution, Article 89 of the Louisiana Civil Code, and laws enacted pursuant thereto, violate the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and may not be enforced against the Plaintiffs or any other same-sex couple; IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Article XII, Section 15 of the Louisiana Constitution, Article 3520(B) of the Louisiana Civil Code, and laws enacted pursuant thereto, violate the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and may not be enforced against the Plaintiffs or any other same-sex couple.

BOOM.

LOUSIANA: Bobby Jindal Blocks State Recognition Of Same-Sex Marriage

SCOTUS has ruled, the Fifth Circuit has ruled, but Bobby Jindal just doesn't care.

Gov. Bobby Jindal delayed -- for the second time -- the recognition of same-sex marriage by the Louisiana state government on Wednesday evening. The governor refused to let Louisiana agencies acknowledge same-sex marriage following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last Friday. At the time, he said he was waiting for a lower appeals court to affirm the U.S. Supreme Court's decision, before moving forward with same-sex marriage recognition in Louisiana. But now that the lower appeals court confirmed Louisiana's same-sex marriage ban has been overturned, Jindal has decided Louisiana same-sex couples need to wait for yet another court's decision. "Our agencies will follow the Louisiana Constitution until the District Court orders us otherwise," said Mike Reed, Jindal's spokesman in the governor's office.

In its opinion released Wednesday evening, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made it clear that Louisiana's same-sex marriage ban no longer applies, though it technically sent a same-sex marriage case back to a U.S. District court for reversal. Jindal is saying the state government won't recognize same-sex marriage until the District Court issues its own decision. The appeals court gave the district court until until July 17 to make a new ruling, though it has encouraged the district court to do so earlier. One of the plaintiffs in the case, Robert Welles, is in declining health. "I wait every day for a phone call," said the 52-year-old Welles. "The way I see it, we started this thing in New Orleans, and we want to finish it in New Orleans." But Kyle Duncan, a lawyer working for Louisiana and the Jindal administration, said it makes sense for state agencies to wait to recognize same-sex marriage until the district court ruling. "The court made it crystal clear," he said. "It's when the district court renders final judgment."

You'd almost think that Jindal is hoping that the plaintiff will die before his marriage is recognized.

LOUISIANA: First Marriage Takes Place, Gov. Bobby Jindal Says Clerks Can Opt Out

Louisiana has seen its first same-sex marriage but Gov. Bobby Jindal is following the lead of Texas and today declared that state employees can opt-out if they have religious objections.

Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has said Louisiana court clerks and other state employees who don't want to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of religious objections won't have to do so. Jindal's office has said the governor's religious freedom executive order as well as state and federal law will protect clerks and state employees who have moral objections to gay marriage and don't feel comfortable handing out licenses to same-sex couples. "We believe the U.S. Constitution, Louisiana Constitution, Louisiana's Preservation of Religious Freedom Act, as well as our Executive Order prevents government from compelling individuals to violate sincerely held religious beliefs. We will continue to fight to protect religious liberty," said Mike Reed, spokesman for the governor's office.

Bobby Jindal Has The Sadz

"The Supreme Court decision today conveniently and not surprisingly follows public opinion polls, and tramples on states’ rights that were once protected by the 10th Amendment of the Constitution. Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that. This decision will pave the way for an all out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians who disagree with this decision. This ruling must not be used as pretext by Washington to erode our right to religious liberty.  The government should not force those who have sincerely held religious beliefs about marriage to participate in these ceremonies. That would be a clear violation of America’s long held commitment to religious liberty as protected in the First Amendment. I will never stop fighting for religious liberty and I hope our leaders in D.C. join me." - Bobby Jindal, via press release.

HRC: Facts About Bobby Jindal

"Throughout his political career, Bobby Jindal has routinely opposed efforts to move toward LGBT equality, and he’s bragged that he was not a politician who was going to change his anti-LGBT positions based on “polling.” He’s even worked against existing Louisiana protections that protected LGBT workers from discrimination."

Bobby Jindal: I'm Runnng For President

Via the Washington Post:

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, a one-time rising star in the Republican Party now struggling to become one again, announced Wednesday that he is running for president in 2016. Jindal made his entry into the race on Twitter, ahead of a planned formal announcement in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner later this afternoon. There had been little doubt that the 44-year-old second-term governor would run. He has already traveled multiple times to early-primary states -- spending 45 percent of his days outside of Louisiana last year. And this year, some of Jindal's top state-government aides left to join his presidential "exploratory committee." Jindal becomes the first Indian-American to ever be a serious candidate for president. But at this point, his chances of winning the GOP nomination seem extraordinarily low.

Just posted to Jindal's campaign page are several odd videos of him discussing the decision with his family. And there's something about a turtle. Jindal is the 13th declared GOP candidate and several more are expected.

IBM Cancels Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony With Jindal Over Anti-Gay Executive Order

Via the New Orleans Fox affiliate:

IBM has cancelled Monday's ribbon-cutting for its new National Service Center in Baton Rouge because of Governor Bobby Jindal's executive order. The event on June 22 had been reserved for months, according to several city leaders, including Davis Rhorer, executive director of the Downtown Development District.The technology giant IBM voiced "strong opposition" to Louisiana's so-called religious freedom legislation as far back as mid-April.

In a letter to the governor, IBM executives said the legislation cut at the very heart of what their company stands for, equal rights and opportunity for everyone, discrimination for no one. The letter implored Jindal not to support any agenda that protected discrimination against LGBT people. Other companies followed suit, triggering a number of similar statements, but IBM, the major player local and state leaders fought so desperately to bring to Baton Rouge, was not amused by Jindal's handling of any of the matter or his response by letter to them.

Good for Big Blue.

Bobby Jindal To Announce On June 24th

NOM Exploits Jindal With Money Beg

Brian Brown would like NOM's followers to "thank" Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal by signing up for NOM's email money beg list. He writes:

When Louisiana State House Bill 707, which would have blocked the government from penalizing companies because of the owner's stance on same-sex marriage, was defeated in the state house's Civil Law and Procedure over fears that it legalized discrimination against LGBT people, Governor Jindal said that he was "disappointed by the committee's action." But then he did something about it! The Governor is taking bold action in defense of our most precious first freedoms — freedom of religion and freedom of speech. And when one of our elected officials is willing to take a stand like this, you and I must be willing to stand behind him. Please click here to send Governor Jindal an email thanking him for standing up for religious freedom. And then, once you've taken action, please forward this email to family and friends using the sharing buttons below, asking them to do the same.

Earlier yesterday Brown sent a separate email in which he announced that NOM will soon be issuing its 2016 anti-gay marriage pledge for presidential candidates. (NOM's 2012 pledge was signed by all major GOP candidates.) That email contained 13 links to NOM's donation page.

Tony Perkins Raves About Bobby Jindal

"If liberals thought they could lie their way to victory in Louisiana, they've got another thing coming. After steamrolling leaders in Indiana, the Left has met its match in Governor Bobby Jindal (R). Frustrated by the legislators' cowardice, Governor Jindal heeded the wishes of 67 percent of the state and issued an executive order to do what the state house would not: stop state-sponsored persecution against people of faith. Governor Jindal, who broke the news with me on yesterday's Washington Watch, was frustrated -- not only because the Marriage and Conscience Act was misrepresented, but because it never even got a vote! As Governor Jindal pointed out, 'All Christians are asking for is the right to live in America according to their beliefs.' And thanks to him, they'll have it -- at least in Louisiana." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, via email.

LOUISIANA: Bobby Jindal Issues Executive Order Legalizing Anti-Gay Discrimination

Earlier today a Louisiana House committee rejected the bill that would have legalized anti-gay discrimination. That rejection came after big business, including IBM, denounced the bill. Unswayed, Gov. Bobby Jindal has already followed through on his vow to issue an executive order that bypasses the state legislature. Dominic Holden reports on the reactions at Buzzfeed:

“This executive order falls into category of unnecessary, gratuitous and discriminatory,” Sainz told BuzzFeed News. “On the same day that Louisiana legislators had the good sense to turn back discrimination, Governor Jindal, who’s facing one of the lowest approval ratings in state history, decided to promote his presidential fortunes by championing ignorance. He’s on the wrong side of this issue and will no doubt be on the wrong side of history.” In contrast, Alliance Defending Freedom, which backs religious freedom laws, said in a statement to BuzzFeed News, “We are happy that Governor Jindal supports religious freedom and that nobody should be punished for believing that marriage is between one man and one woman.

The order cites Hobby Lobby. An excerpt:

SECTION 1: All departments, commissions, boards, agencies, and political subdivisions of the state are authorized and directed to take cognizance of the definition of “person” contained in La. R.S. 1:10 when complying with the Preservation of Religious Freedom Act (La. R.S. 13:5230-5242), the interpretation of the virtually identical federal law definition contained in 1 USC 1 by the United States Supreme Court in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby in its holding that the federal government is prohibited from requiring a “person” to act in contravention of a sincerely held religious belief, and that the definition of “person” includes individuals, non-profit, or for-profit corporations.

SECTION 2: All departments, commissions, boards, agencies, and political subdivisions of the state are authorized and directed to comply with the restrictions placed upon government action in the Preservation of Religious Freedom Act and, including more specifically, on the basis that such person acts in accordance with his religious belief that marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, shall take no adverse action.

LIVE AUDIO: Tony Perkins Hosts Bobby Jindal After Anti-Gay Marriage Bill Fails

Starting now. Listen here.

UPDATE: Tony Perkins has the sadz.

“These ten legislators voted today against freedom and against two-thirds of Louisianans who support the Marriage and Conscience Act,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council and a supporter of the bill. “This is a failure of leadership and goes to the heart of what’s wrong with American politics today.” Perkins was referring to a WPA poll commissioned by the Louisiana Family Forum and FRC that indicated 67 percent of likely voters supported the bill. Even more shocking – 63 percent of Democrats supported the bill. “These elected leaders effectively endorsed government discrimination against individuals and nonprofits simply for believing in marriage between a man and a woman,” Perkins said. “No person or nonprofit should lose tax exempt status, face disqualification, lose a professional license or be punished by the government simply for believing what President Obama believed just three years ago – that marriage is the union of a man and a woman.”

LOUISIANA: Bobby Jindal Vows To Issue Executive Order On "Religious Liberty" Bill Just Killed by State House Committee

"We are disappointed by the committee’s action to return the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act to the calendar. We will be issuing an Executive Order shortly that will accomplish the intent of HB 707 to prevent the state from discriminating against persons or entities with deeply held religious beliefs that marriage is between one man and one woman. This Executive Order will prohibit the state from denying or revoking a tax exemption, tax deduction, contract, cooperative agreement, loan, professional license, certification, accreditation, or employment on the basis the person acts in accordance with a religious belief that marriage is between one man and one woman." - Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, in a press release issued after a state House committee failed to advance HB 707.

LOUISIANA: House Committee Rejects "Religious Liberty" Bill For 2015 Session

This is the bill that Bobby Jindal has been using to sell his presidential bid. From last month:

Jindal insists the law is not about discrimination, but rather prohibiting the state from enacting punitive measures against people who act, in the words of the proposed law, "in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction about the institution of marriage." Asked at a press conference April 16 if any punitive measures have been imposed here, Jindal said they hadn't but cited cases in other states where, he claims, bakers and florists were forced to provide their services to same-sex weddings under the threat of fines. "It has not happened in Louisiana," Jindal told reporters, "and it certainly won't happen as long as I'm governor and I can prevent it from happening."   Meanwhile, Jindal received a letter last week from IBM's top Louisiana official expressing the company's "strong opposition" to HB 707. "IBM has made significant investments in Louisiana including most recently a technology services delivery center in Baton Rouge, creating new jobs for Louisiana workers," wrote James M. Driesse, the company's senior state executive.

I'll update this post with Jindal's reaction.

UPDATE: Oh brother.

IOWA: Bobby Jindal Launches "Religious Liberty" Ad Campaign On Local TV

Via Breitbart:

American Future Project, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s issues advocacy group, is running ads starting today in Iowa touting the need for protection for religious liberty in America. “Our religious liberty must in no way ever be linked to the ever-changing opinions of the public,” Jindal is quoted as saying in a speech he gave to Liberty University to open the ad. “We must understand that our freedom of conscience protects all Americans of every persuasion.” The ad shows Jindal meeting with people across the country and in a church, and then quotes him from another speech. “These are rights endowed by our creator given to humanity by God,” Jindal said in that speech. “The United States of America did not create religious liberty. Religious liberty created the United States of America.” The Iowa ad will run on cable television and online for one week in the nation’s first presidential state.

Jindal will announce his presidential plans on June 11th.

Maggie Goes Gaga For Bobby Jindal

"Kudos, kudos, kudos to Jindal. Who else will step up to the plate? It is only the question of whether the Judeo-Christian ethic in America will be tolerated or whether government will be used to punish and strip the livelihoods of people who cannot in conscience serve a particular marriage. Nationally, the pledge would be to fight for the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act. Who, besides me, will follow where Jindal leads? Please share this post with as many people as you can." Former NOM chairbigot Maggie Gallagher, praising today's NYT op-ed by Bobby Jindal.

Bobby Jindal: Save Your Breath, I'll Always Oppose Civil Rights For LGBT Americans

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal today published an op-ed for the New York Times in which he vows to continue his battle against same-sex marriage and for discriminatory anti-LGBT legislation. An excerpt:

As the fight for religious liberty moves to Louisiana, I have a clear message for any corporation that contemplates bullying our state: Save your breath. In 2010, Louisiana adopted a Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which prohibits government from unduly burdening a person’s exercise of religion. However, given the changing positions of politicians, judges and the public in favor of same-sex marriage, along with the potential for discrimination against Christian individuals and businesses that comes with these shifts, I plan in this legislative session to fight for passage of the Marriage and Conscience Act.

The legislation would prohibit the state from denying a person, company or nonprofit group a license, accreditation, employment or contract — or taking other “adverse action” — based on the person or entity’s religious views on the institution of marriage. Some corporations have already contacted me and asked me to oppose this law. I am certain that other companies, under pressure from radical liberals, will do the same. They are free to voice their opinions, but they will not deter me.

I hold the view that has been the consensus in our country for over two centuries: that marriage is between one man and one woman. Polls indicate that the American consensus is changing — but like many other believers, I will not change my faith-driven view on this matter, even if it becomes a minority opinion. A pluralistic and diverse society like ours can exist only if we all tolerate people who disagree with us. That’s why religious freedom laws matter — and why it is critical for conservatives and business leaders to unite in this debate.

If we, as conservatives, are to succeed in advancing the cause of freedom and free enterprise, the business community must stand shoulder to shoulder with those fighting for religious liberty. The left-wing ideologues who oppose religious freedom are the same ones who seek to tax and regulate businesses out of existence.

Hit the link for the full drivel.

IBM To Gov. Bobby Jindal: Stop RFRA

Big Blue has again waded into the RFRA battle, this time with a letter to Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal:

IBM has made significant investments in Louisiana including most recently a technology services delivery center in Baton Rouge, creating new jobs for Louisiana workers. We located the center in Baton Rouge because we believe Louisiana has great talent and would continue to be a rich source of such talent. However 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. IBM will find it much harder to attract talent to Louisiana if this bill is passed and enacted into law. Our perspective is grounded in IBM's 104-year history and our deep legacy of diversity and inclusion - a legacy to which we remain strongly committed today. IBM is opposed to discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected categories. We urge you to work with the Legislature to ensure this legislation is not discriminatory.

Early this month IBM denounced the RFRA bills in Arkansas and Indiana. (Tipped by JMG reader Str8Grandmother)