This Law Firm Publication by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. addresses Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards' signing of an executive order providing discrimination protection to state employees on a number of bases, including sexual orientation and gender identity. The new executive order, which becomes effective immediately, nullifies a 2015 executive order which did not protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) employees from discrimination. Beginning on July 1, 2016, the order will protect employees of state contractors on the same bases. The new executive order also prohibits state agencies from discriminating in the provision of services, but recognizes a religious exemption.